Keeping your own shorthand dictionary is a good idea. It is beneficial for keeping up with notes. Recording the symbols you learn, creating a shorthand dictionary and quickly referring back will be invaluable in increasing memory recall.
A personal shorthand dictionary plays a vital role in your practical field. I will share tips on How to Create Your Own Shorthand Dictionary in this article. So stay with me.
Read About: What is Shorthand?
1. Choose a Format
Step One is to choose your FormatFormat. The first thing you must do while making your shorthand dictionary is decide what format Formatill should use. You can write your dictionary in a notebook, somewhere online, or via different apps. Both options have merits, so pick and choose at your convenience.
Paper notebook: Using a traditional pencil and paper for your shorthand symbols helps reinforce muscle memory. Notebooks can be archived by titles, e.g. A-Z, or categories such as essential words, phrases, custom symbols, etc. Regardless of how we save the notebooks from browsing later, what makes sense for you last time is to either understand it or organize it under the difficulty level.
Scroll any Digital Document: If you used an IOT L-pen in a blank Word or Google Doc, the above will automatically record for editing and saving. Link to places online, add photos, or even post audio recordings of what each symbol should sound like as you read it out!
Shorthand App: ShorthandThis app helps you create a shorthand dictionary. It has inbuilt search and categories and sharing options among different learners, making your entire learning much more accessible.
2. Organize Your Entries
You can start arranging the entries after you decide on your format; you should choose a structure that will make locating and referencing the symbols easier when necessary.
Order Alphabetically: This is easy to do, meaning you can quickly find the symbols in your dictionary. This is especially helpful if you are generally working on some shorthand for notes.
Category: Organize your symbols by category if you have specific shorthand for a particular area (journalism, legal, medical). You may create different segments based on the type of content you add, e.g. Technical terms or everyday phrases and names that keep repeating in your language space.
How Often You Use It: Organize your dictionary by how frequently you use certain symbols. Have the most used symbols on top for easy use and all others in a different section.
Note: Make space at the end of each entry or section for future symbols you will learn.
3. Document Standard Symbols
First, you write up the system type using shorthand without complete Terminator abbreviations (Gregg or Pitman) and start. Providing examples is especially helpful because they remind you of the symbol in its natural habitat and make sense to remember.
4. Add Custom Symbols
One of the advantages of creating your shorthand dictionary is that you can include custom symbols you have developed. That way, you can complete words and phrases faster, prevalent ones appearing frequently in your work or studies.
Your custom symbols should be unique enough compared to the standard symbols so that users can understand them. As you use your custom symbols more and incorporate them with the rest of shorthand writing, they just fit right in over time.
5. Cover Different Forms and Shortcuts
The more adept you become in shorthand, the likelier you will learn new symbols or refine shortcuts. Add these to your dictionary for a thorough, personalized shorthand reference.
For example, one symbol can be written faster in another form, or a slight variation makes two symbols more distinguishable. Record these deviations and make a written note as to where you use them when you reach for this grip and why.
6. Review and Update Regularly
The shorthand dictionary you are compiling is a living document that should grow and adapt to your skill level and personal preferences. This helps control the list, so set time aside every week or month to look at your dictionary. Include any new symbols you have learned, Modify the existing entries, and Crop out what has been discarded.
Keep your dictionary up-to-date with regular review — as a result, it will not lose its value and accuracy. Second, it creates another opportunity for you to cement your learning because revisiting & practising those symbols that you have now written down is somewhat similar to doing your project.
TIP: — If you use the same symbols very often, consider creating a section at the front of your dictionary called “Frequently Used”, in which You list all the most frequently used meal symbols. This makes it quicker to refer back to them during note-taking.
7. Share and Collaborate
Share your dictionary with others if you are learning shorthand in groups or classes. That collaboration could uncover additional symbols or strokes you wouldn´t develop alone.
You can digitally share the dictionary you created using cloud services like Google Drive or make a physical copy to give to your friends. Working with others also gives you feedback on your custom symbols and how they can be adjusted based on their personal experiences.
Top Tip: Join Online Shorthand Communities Or Forums Where Members Post Their Own Stenography Dictionaries, Resources, And Tips! This can help you broaden your knowledge of shorthand and stay motivated.
8. Look at Your Dictionary as a Learning Resource
Its functionality is more than a reference guide—it can be used as an impactful learning tool. Incorporate it actively in your practice sessions, whether transcribing audio, taking notes, or studying new symbols. Consult your dictionary often; it will help you remember what to do during shorthand practice.
Write out all your new shorthand symbols in your dictionary several times. You will begin remembering these symbols like the back of your hand with practice and repetition.
Tip: Combine your new shorthand dictionary with flashcards or an app to keep a schedule going. Such a multifaceted approach will expedite the learning process and improve your mastery of shorthand.
Conclusion
Create Your Own Shorthand Dictionary is an enjoyable and helpful way to improve your knowledge and practice. A good shorthand dictionary—read by a student, a professional, or simply an amateur blogger—will make your thoughts flow more freely on the paper.
