Pitman Shorthand Fundamentals: Consonants, Vowel Places and Stroke Direction

The Geometry of Pitman Shorthand Created by Sir Isaac Pitman in 1837, Pitman Shorthand is a phonetic system based on geometric arcs and straight lines. Unlike English spelling, Pitman records the sound of speech. 1. Consonant Classification (Light vs Heavy) Consonants are paired by sound vibration: P / B: Light downward slant for P; heavy downward slant for B. T / D: Light vertical stroke for T; heavy vertical stroke for D. CH / J: Light forward downward slant for CH; heavy for J. K / G: Light horizontal line for K; heavy horizontal line for G. 2. The Three Vowel Positions Vowels are indicated by dots and dashes placed at three relative points on a consonant stroke: First Position (Above/Before the line): Long 'AH' (dot) or 'AW' (dash). The stroke begins above the baseline. Second Position (On the line): Long 'A' (dot) or 'OH' (dash). The stroke rests directly on the baseline. Third Position (Through the line): Long 'EE' (dot) or 'OO' (dash). The stroke cuts through the baseline.

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.