Machine Shorthand 1

Module 2

Learning Objective:

1. To know the the evolution of machine shorthand

2. Illustrate the proper way of home keys position in machine shorthand.
3. To know the different keys of machine shorthand

Machine Shorthand-is a specialized chorded keyboard or typewriter by stenographers for

shorthand use.

Here's the layout of machine shorthand keyboard. Observe and learn the keyboard
section. This is the important in the proper operation of machine shorthand.
EPOCH 1
Ancient Sumerian Scribes
3500 BC
The earliest of written expression began in 3500 BC, in Southeastern Mesopotamia (now Iraq),
by one of the earliest civilizations. By 3100 BC the Sumerians developed cuneform script into a
usable system of 2000 word-symbols, later adapted to other languages. Ancient Sumerian
Scribes were entrusted to preserve all important thought, using a stylus to carve wedge shape
characters into clay tablets later hardened by the sun.
EPOCH 1
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN SCRIBES
3200 BC
The Egyptians devised two scripts, Hieratic (3200 BC) and Demotic (650 BC), as alternatives to
their complex hieroglyphic form of writing. Although based on hieroglyphs, these two scripts
employed more simplified symbols.

Ancient Egyptian scribes, as those in Sumer, were considered among the literary elite, and
many became government officials. Typically, scribes wrote business and property
transactions, kept records of taxes and laws, copied documents, and wrote instructions for
government officials.

Similar to cuneiform, most Egyptian writings were carved in mud or clay tablets and then
hardened by sunshine. Those considered important to retain were rewritten on papyrus and
the original tablets reused.

Today’s Steno is descended from a machine first invented by Ward Stone Ireland in 1910. A
steno machine has anywhere between 24 and 37 keys: 22 capital letter keys, 1 to 4 asterisk
keys, 1 to 9 number keys, and sometimes 2 optional accessory keys. The asterisk and number
keys are all identical to one another, their numbers only vary for ergonomic reasons.
-Machine Shorthand is an easy skill course.
-The Machine Shorthand keyboard is divided into three sections.
-The proper way of home keys position of the fingers.
-The correct depressing of the consonant compound ST and vowel U.
-Proper use of new letter and new words.
-Correct application of the punctuation mark PERIOD.

The lightweight and portable shorthand machine has only 22 keys. Not all the letters of the
alphabet are presented on the keyboard and the missing letters are recorded by pressing a
combination of keys. The keyboard requires only a light touch, is completely silent, and is
capable of producing shorthand well in excess of 250 words a minute . Words are reproduce as
shorthand notes by breaking them into syllables and these are represented by combination of
letters. The use of abbreviations and phrases increases writing speed.

From the keyboard chart above, you will see that the machine keyboard is divided intro three
sections:
1. Initial consonants, (to the left of the centre asterisk) begin words and syllables and are
operated with the fingers of the left hand.
2.The final consonants, (to the right of the asterisk) finish words and syllables, and are operated
with fingers of the right hand.
3. The vowels at the centre lower section of the keyboard are operated with the two thumbs.
The missing letters on the keyboard are supplied by using combinations of other letters. These
initial and final combinations are set out on the full page illustration of the keyboard which
follows.

EPOCH X
SHORTHAND IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Using sophisticated shorthand machines, specially designed computer software, and state-of-
the-art wireless and internet technology skilled reports instantly produce text from speech and
simultaneously transmit it anywhere in the world.
The shorthand machine requires a light, two handed operation. This prevents physical strain
and fatigue, and allows the reporter to reach dictation speeds well in excess of the limits of pen
shorthand.
The basis of machine shorthand is words are written according to SOUND and not the way the
words are spelled. Silent letters are omitted. Syllables and whole words are written in one
stroke on the machine, and the machine spaces automatically after each stroke is written.

This unique arrangement of the keys on the shorthand machine keyboard allows the writing of
a complete word or syllable in one stroke, in similar fashion to playing a simple piano chord.
When writing words which require more than one stroke, the words will be written on more
than one line.

THREADING THE MACHINE

Place the machine on its tripod. Grasp the knob on the paper tray at the back of the
machine and pull the paper tray out as far as it will go.
Remove the wrapper from the pad of folded paper. Take the pad in one hand and
gently tap the pad against the palm of other hand to fan the paper and loosen the folds.

Place the pad into the extended tray. Either side of the pad can be used In fact, for practice
purposes, it is economic to use each side of the paper, you can reverse the pad once it has been
run through the machine.
Pick up the loose end of the top sheet of paper and place the edge to the bottom of the
platen, that is, the back of the machine. Roll the roller away from you to feed the paper
through.

Push back the paper holder and thread one fold of paper through, to ensure the correct feeding
of the balance of the pad.
Push the balance of the pad to the from of he machine, leaving the tray fully extended
to receive the folded paper as you take dictation.
Activity # 2
Enumerate the different History of Court Reporters ’Machine Shorthand Favorite tool,
Information and graphics.

Prepared by:
Lucrecia A. Acosta
Subject Teacher