MiniScript Shorthand

by Levin Leonard

Overview

Existing shorthand systems (Gregg, Pitman, Teeline) provide non-alphabetical symbols or outlines to increase the writing speed. A number of writing strokes is significantly reduced and a high speed can be attained. However, a great deal of time must be spent on memorization and retention is difficult if you decide to use Gregg, Pitman, Teeline and similar symbol-based methods.

On the other hand, speedwriting methods use alphabet letters and are easier to learn. But they require two or three strokes to write a standard letter and can not match a writing speed attainable by non-alphabetical shorthand.

The MiniScript system is non-alphabetical version of the EasyScript method and designed to simplify learning and provide a high writing speed comparable to symbol-based shorthand and. EasyScript was introduced in 1990 and has become a viable alternative in the United States and worldwide for those who prefer to utilize alphabet-based speedwriting.

MiniScript employs: a) a proven and popular EasyScript alphabet-based abbreviation methodology that reduces considerably the memorization volume by using a small set of abbreviating rules and b) writing abbreviations with special symbols to attain writing speeds comparable to non-alphabetical shorthand. Applying MiniScript you will need to remember only a list of 9 special symbols representing English alphabet. Symbols from conventional PC keyboard such as period (.), slash (/), comma (,) are used and require little or no training.

EasyScript book is not required to study MiniScript.

A demo of EasyScript is available at our website easyscript.com

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781893726116
Publisher:	Legend Publishing
Publication date:	10/16/2008
Edition description:	Workbook
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	10 Years

Read an Excerpt

Introduction

Existing shorthand systems provide non-alphabetical symbols or outlines for words and common phrases to write them in a short form and increase the writing speed. A number of writing strokes is significantly reduced and a high speed can be attained.
However, a great deal of time must be spent on memorization using such systems and retention is difficult unless you practice writing the outlines on a daily basis.
On the other hand, speedwriting methods use alphabet letters and are easier to learn. But they require two or three strokes to write a standard letter and can not match a writing speed attainable by non-alphabetical shorthand.
Usually, all existing speedwriting and shorthand methods are based on assigning a unique outline or code to an individual word and memorizing a large number of abbreviations is a very lengthy process.
It is unlikely that you will use regularly all the codes or outlines memorized. Those that are not used daily are forgotten and cannot be remembered when needed, so proficiency declines. In addition, you might to have to create your own codes or outlines for specific words related to your vocabulary.
Computer programs could potentially reduce the difficulties transcribing large volumes of symbols. But memorization of a unique code for every word is a 'catch 22' problem. In order for the computer software produce a full word the user must know the corresponding abbreviation.

MiniScript Concept

The MiniScript system is an alternative that combines both the simplicity of speedwriting and a high writing speed of non-alphabetical shorthand. MiniScript employs: a) a proven and popular EasyScriptalphabet-based abbreviation methodology that reduces considerably the memorization volume by using a small set abbreviating rules and b) writing actual abbreviations with special symbols to attain writing speeds comparable to non-alphabetical shorthand.
If abbreviations are created using EasyScript method and positionally placed symbols you will need to remember only a list of 9 special symbols representing English alphabet. To reduce memorization one symbol is used for three letters. For instance, letters A, B and C are written using '.' by placing it on the top, middle and bottom line positions.
As a result, this combined approach of using EasyScript method and a small set of non-alphabetical will enable you increase your writing speed compared to alphabet-based systems.
To achieve a high writing speed and process spoken information effectively at the speed it is generated any MiniScript abbreviation should not exceed more than three symbols per word.

As described above, MiniScript consists of two components: 1) EasyScript (ES) alphabet-based abbreviation methodology that reduces considerably the memorization volume by using a small set abbreviating rules and 2) writing actual abbreviations with special symbols to attain writing speeds comparable to non-alphabetical shorthand.

Consequently, mastering MiniScript is a two-step process consisting of: 1) studying EasyScript abbreviation method and 2) learning how to write EasyScript abbreviations with non-alphabetical special symbols assigned to represent an individual alphabet letter. Special symbols from the conventional QWERTY keyboard are used which are familiar to any person using a computer and require little or no training.

Each lesson consists of two sections to study both alphabetical and symbol forms separately for the same set of words. Two practice exercises within each section are offered. The first exercise shows the practice words and corresponding alphabetical or symbol forms. The second exercise has only the practice words and you need to write the appropriate abbreviations and symbols memorized from the first exercise.

Transcription Software

ComputerScript (CS) software allows entering of EasyScript alphabetical abbreviations using conventional QWERTY keyboard and provides automatic transcription into readable form. The CS software runs on WINDOWS XP or higher platforms. For more information call: 617-527-4988 or visit our website: WWW.EASYSCRIPT.COM.

We are considering in the near future developing software to transcribe the MiniScript symbol forms into readable format.

On-Site Training and Licensing

Legend Co. offers training programs customer tailored to your group (any size) at a time and location that is convenient to you. Also, site licenses are available for this training to be conducted by your staff. This course is also available in a classroom format for teaching middle/high school and college students.

Here is a sample of Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and educational institutions that offered ES/CS training programs to their employees: California State University, New York Dept. Of Labor, United Way of Maryland, Affinity Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO), Harvard University, U.S. Postal Service, CNN/Turner Broadcasting, Jack Henry & Associates, John Hancock Insurance Co., Verizon, Prudential Insurance, Bank of America, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, and others.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................1

The MiniScript Concept...........................................................1

LESSON 1 - Simple Words......................................................3

LESSON 2 - Prefix Words.......................................................15

LESSON 3 - Suffix Words......................................................28

LESSON 4 - Prefix/Suffix Words...........................................47

LESSON 5 - Compound Words...............................................56