Diphthongs and Triphones in Pitman Shorthand: Angles, Signs and Placement

Understanding Diphthongs and TriphonesA diphthong is the union of two vowel sounds in a single syllable, symbolized by small angular marks. Adding a small tick produces a triphone indicating a third consecutive vowel sound (e.g., dial, diary, power).

Case-study exercise

Imagine a learner who performs well in practice but loses words when speed rises. The useful response is not another random full test. The learner should isolate the transition point, practise short phrases at a controlled speed, review omissions, and then add only a small speed increase. The same cycle applies to spelling, figures, outlines, and formatting.

Lesson

Diagnose the process, choose one correction, and verify it with new material.