What is Stenography

The word stenography is derived from two Greek words "Stenos" meaning narrow and "Graphie" meaning writing. It is writing of a language in short form to achieve clarity and objectivity with the aim to save the time and dispose of the work. It is also termed as shorthand. It consists of symbols and abbreviations for words and common phrases which allow a stenographer to write as quickly as a person speaks. A person who is recording these symbols and abbreviations is called stenographer. Stenographer uses stenographic pencil or pen to write on note book / plain paper and then he types them on typing machine or computer, as the case may be. Primary objective of shorthand / stenography is to record oral dictation or discourse for compact, meaningful, comprehensive and to the point expression. Stenography and stenographer are important part of Government Departments, Courts, Private Organizations, Journalism etc. for disposal of official correspondence and maintaining of record.

Historically, Greeks were the first to use the shorthand in 4th Century BC but it was on stones in the shape of symbols. In Imperial China, courts have stenographers for recording of courts proceedings at swift pace. Stenography was developed in Europe in 16th Century where it continued to develop. Sir Isacc Pitman was pioneer of shorthand and he developed the most famous and adopted shorthand system which has been applied in fifteen languages. In late 19th century, Japanese translated and adopted the Pitman's System which has been in application since then. Pitman system was replaced by American Graham System but it is still widely used. In Pakistan Pitman system (shorthand method) is being used and applied to teach stenographer in order to perform the official correspondence and work.

It is the profession which is suitable for both male and female who can adopt it for a very good career with proper attention and hard work. There are ample opportunities for career progression for stenographer round the world. As per an estimate, about 7000 posts pertaining to the work of shorthand / typing were advertised in different departments all over the Pakistan, for the last five years. Out of the these posts, for about 1500 posts of stenographer were advertised by public Service Commissions in Pakistan, whereas nearly 1200 posts were advertised by different courts. For about 4300 posts were advertised by departments, attached departments and autonomous organizations through National Testing Services or directly. After promulgation of 18th Constitutional Amendment in Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, number of provincial departments have increased. All provinces have established the new departments which is resulting in job opportunities for stenographers as well. Demand of stenographers in private organizations is lesser however these private organizations recruit personal assistants and private secretaries for front office management, stenography and other secretarial tasks. Private firms, law associates and private law practitioners hire the services of stenographers for disposing of the work.