Gregg and Pitman are two trendy shorthand system names. Both have separate pros and cons and are widely used by professionals, journalists, and students. But figuring out which shorthand system is the best for you can be difficult. In this post, we will take an exhaustive look at Gregg and Pitman Shorthand to give you a comprehensive comparison to help you make the right decision.
Shorthand is a fast writing system that uses abbreviated symbols to represent words and sounds. It has remained a standard skill for court reporters, journalists, or secretaries who must transcribe spoken dialogue quickly. Although technology has transformed how we take notes, shorthand is still essential for those who wish to continue taking notes in writing.
Read More: Effective Strategies for Mastering Shorthand Symbols
Overview of Gregg Shorthand
John Robert Gregg invented it in 1888. Because of its simplicity and adaptability, it soon became one of the most popular shorthand systems in the United States. Unlike other systems based on the traditional alphabet (which represents letters), Gregg Shorthand is a phonetic-based system, symbolizing sounds instead of words.
What are the Key Features of Gregg Shorthand?
Phonetic: It is easier to memorize the different sounds of words rather than how they are spelt, making Gregg Shorthand a favourite for many.
Fewer strokes: The system only has curves and ellipses, making writing and remembering much easier and faster.
Versatility: Gregg Shorthand gives a versatile feel and is adaptable to people’s preferred writing; once you become used to shorthand, it is fantastic.
Speed: Once proficient in Gregg’s writing, it can be chanted at lightning speeds, which is optimal for those who constantly need to jot things down.
Advantages of Gregg Shorthand
Short Learning Curve: Because Gregg is a phonetic system, it can be more easily learned and mastered by beginners (though, make no mistake — learning to write shorthand still requires some effort).
Cursive Writing: These provide fluid cursive-like printing, minimizing hand fatigue during extended writing sessions.
American Mainstream: Because it was common in the U.S., many U.S. resources, including books, courses, and online tutorials, exist to learn Gregg Shorthand.
Demerits of Gregg’s shorthand
No Precision: Even though Gregg is describable quickly, it may need the precision of other systems, which makes this an option to avoid when detailing matters.
Popularity By Region: While Gregg is most popular in the U.S., others, depending on their region, may need more resources or opportunities to use it.
Overview of Pitman Shorthand
Sir Isaac Pitman developed a method of abbreviating words that enabled him to write them more quickly, and therefore, he introduced shorthand in England in 1837. It is one of the simplest and most universal shorthand systems used throughout the U.K. and CU.K.nwealth countries. On Resume Skills Lists, Pitman Shorthand, in contrast to Gregg’s writing, uses thicker and thinner strokes coupled with placement relative to an imaginary horizontal line.
The Important Features Pitman Shorthand
Pitman: Line Thickness & Position—Pitman relies on the thickness of a line and its position to distinguish between similar sounds (mainly by variation of appearance). It is closely related to staring in handwriting.
Precise: Phrasing and positioning are focused on line weight, which enables Pitman to be extremely precise compared to other shorthand systems.
Structure: Pitman Shorthand uses a more complex method of writing rules than Gregg, which can be an advantage and disadvantage for the user.
Speed: Pitman can be written faster than Gregg once both hands are trained.
Benefits of Pitman Shorthand
Detailed System of Line Thickness / Positioning: This hierarchy helps transcribe slight differences in sound due to the high tolerance level.
Potential for High Velocity: Pitman can be written at extraordinarily high speed; therefore, it is likely intended by expert stenographers and court coverage journalists.
International Reliability: Pitman is used extensively in the UK, India, and other Commonwealth countries, which speaks to its international application.
Cons of Pitman Shorthand
Learning Curve: Complexity of Pitman’s rules — a must-learn and mastery in lines because this could be an issue for beginners.
Hand Fatigue: Applying varying pressure to achieve different line thickness requires extra effort from your hands and fingers, who will tire of doing so, especially during extended writing sessions.
Comparison In Detail: Gregg Vs. Pitman Shorthand
1. Ease of Learning
Gregg Shorthand: Gregg is usually comparably more accessible, especially for newcomers. The phonetic base and the simplified strokes make it easier to understand. The simplicity of the rules also allows writers to shoot off into shorthand without much effort.
Pitman Shorthand: Pitman is difficult to learn as it requires higher speed because of its complexity. You are further burdened with associating thick and thin lines differently across various parts of the writing. On the other hand, if you become good at it, Pitman will provide a very high level of accuracy.
2. Writing Speed
Gregg Shorthand: With practice, Gregg is one of the quickest writing systems. With fluid strokes designed for speed, this script can be ideal in fast-paced environments like journalism and court reporting.
Pitman is faster than Gregg if you learn it well because of its precision and the ability to write outlines short for familiar sounds. That said, beginners may realize they need to vary line thickness.
3. Precision and Accuracy
Gregg is also a form of shorthand, which is less mathematically precise than Pitman due to its focus on speed rather than accuracy. So, it is less suitable for exact transcriptions.
Pitman Shorthand: One major highlight of pitmen is that they can become very accurate with the exact placement and line thicknesses. This makes them an excellent tool for professionals who have to record precise data.
4. Adaptability
Gregg Shorthand: Gregg is very flexible, and people can create symbols and abbreviations based on what works for them. That flexibility is probably its greatest strength.
Pitman Shorthand abuses—Pitman is more rigid. It has a set of rules that you must follow and little flexibility. If you like to work within tight parameters, this rigidity is excellent, but it can be seen as restrictive for those needing more flexibility.
5. Hand Fatigue
Gregg Shorthand: Gregg’s rounded, elliptical strokes fit the hand well and make it less conducive to cramping while writing long passages.
Pitman Shorthand: As Pitmen require different line pressure for thick and thin lines, arm pain can become hand-cramping in long writing sessions.
6. Availability of Resources
Gregg Shorthand is well-loved in the U.S. and U.S. resources (textbooks, online courses, and so on).
Pitman Shorthand: Though Pitman enjoys extensive usage and a long history, especially in the U.K., resoU.K.s for learning it is easier to come by than Gregg while living outside Commonwealth nations.
7. Global Usage
Gregg Shorthand: Gregg is mainly found in the United States and is less popular elsewhere in North America.
Pitman Shorthand: Pitman is more widely used worldwide, especially in the U.K. and IU.K., because of historical British ties. Therefore, it is more appropriate for international work.
Which Shorthand System is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between Gregg and Pitman Shorthand comes down to personal need, preference, or even the context in which you plan on using shorthand.
Easy-to-Learn System (For Beginners): Gregg Shorthand might be the way out for beginners searching for an easy-to-learn system since it encompasses fewer rules and is adjustable.
You’re certainly welcome to use Pitman Shorthand if you require greater accuracy or are willing to invest the time needed to learn something more intricate. This is particularly true for professionals who really need detailed transcription.
If pure speed is your thing, both are capable of high-speed writing, with Pitman perhaps giving the master practitioner a slight edge.
If you reside in the U.S. or have readily available learning resources, Gregg Shorthand may be a better option…
For people in the UK, PakistU.K., India, or other Commonwealth countries) Pitman Shorthand would be appropriate as it is mainly used there.
Conclusion
Gregg and Pitman Shorthand can be competent devices for jotting down notes quickly, but they cater to their strengths and shortcomings. Gregg Shorthand has a much easier learning curve and is adaptable, flexible, and highly fluid, making it all but perfect for beginners and those primarily concerned with speed or flexibility.
On the flip side, Pitman Shorthand offers high accuracy potential, speed, and Western world recognition over iScript for professionals and those who need precise/fast transcription techniques.
