Steno Theory and Writing Systems Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Steno Theory and Writing Systems flashcards as text
What is a 'chord' in the context of stenographic writing?
Answer: A simultaneous depression of one or more keys on the steno machine to represent a sound, syllable, or word
A chord is the fundamental unit of stenographic input: pressing one or multiple keys at the same time to produce a single phonetic or lexical unit.
In steno theory, what is a 'stroke' most precisely defined as?
Answer: A single simultaneous pressing of one or more keys that produces one unit of steno output
A stroke is one complete action on the steno machine—pressing any combination of keys at the same time—that produces a single steno outline in the software.
What foundational approach do most modern machine shorthand theories use when building steno outlines?
Answer: Phonetic-based writing that mirrors the sound patterns of spoken language
Modern machine shorthand theories are phonetically based, meaning outlines are built around how words sound rather than how they are spelled, enabling faster and more intuitive writing.
In standard steno theory, how are numbers typically written on a stenotype machine?
Answer: By pressing the number bar across the top of the machine in combination with letter keys
Numbers are produced on a stenotype machine by depressing the number bar simultaneously with the letter keys that correspond to the desired digits, based on the theory's number system.
What is the significance of 'theory consistency' for a practicing CART provider?
Answer: Applying steno outlines predictably so the writer can rely on muscle memory and minimize cognitive load during realtime writing
Theory consistency means the writer applies the same outlines reliably every time, building muscle memory that allows fast, accurate writing without consciously thinking about each stroke.
What does 'stacking' refer to in stenographic writing?
Answer: Writing a word in multiple strokes when a shorter brief form does not yet exist in the dictionary
Stacking means writing a word across two or more strokes (e.g., breaking it into syllables) rather than in a single brief form, often used when no conflict-free brief exists.
Why is building a job-specific dictionary before a CART assignment considered a best practice in steno writing?
Answer: It reduces untranslates and conflicts for specialized terminology expected during the event, improving realtime accuracy
Pre-building entries for known technical terms, speaker names, and jargon prevents those words from appearing as untranslates or wrong words during the live session, directly improving output quality.