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Distinguishing outlines can be the banana skins of shorthand. Deal with them and instead you will be “Top Banana”!
There are various reasons for the pairs, but I have kept to an alphabetical list, because you will need principally to consult and learn the list, not memorise the reasons.
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In most cases, both words in the pair could make sense in the same
sentence, therefore the outlines need special care to maintain the
difference when writing under pressure. Generally the outlines are
actually different when written according to the rules, either in
shape or the writing position, but at speed the outlines are apt to
stray from perfect. Insertion of a vowel always helps, more so if it
is the accented vowel that is put in.
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With some it is essential to put in the vowel.
The best thing is to always put the vowel in one, and not in the
other, and be consistent about it. In some cases I have shown
both so that you may choose which to show.
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Lists of distinguishing outlines in
instruction books are limited to those pairs where one of the
outlines breaks the rules in order to be distinguishing. The
lists given here include all those, plus many more that are
written according to the rules and are already different from
each other, but that need care in writing and reading back.
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Some are given because, although the outlines are quite different,
they would be the same/similar if you were tempted to write one of
them wrongly, and their inclusion here is a warning not to make up a
wrong outline in haste, but to learn it in advance.
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In a few cases, I have also included derivatives, for the sake of
completeness.
Knowing the reasons help you learn them more effectively, and also
be on the lookout for more to add to your list. But you don’t want
to be thinking of that when writing in dictation, so drills and
practice are the order of the day. I suggest you print the lists for
study and practice, and also read them in spare moments, adding to
them
whenever possible. You would benefit by making your own list and
including all the derivatives, for further practice.
Writing neat and accurate shorthand is better than extending the
list indefinitely. Do not be daunted by the length of the list. You brain is an amazing
servant with hundreds of thousands of words at its command. All you have
to do is feed these outlines in a few at a time and they will be
there in storage forever. You would be learning all these anyway as
your shorthand vocabulary expands, but it helps to have these ones
tagged in your mind as needing extra care.
The list is in alphabetical
order according to the first word of the pair or set, but the words in the
set do not all necessarily
start with the same letter.
Notes column:
"Vowel" = instances where the vowel is the only difference and must
be put in. It is often useful to always vocalise one and not the
other, therefore reducing the amount of writing being done. However,
it is always advisable to insert vowels whenever you feel you need
them. However, do not vocalise short forms because that would make
them look like other words.
"No difference" = outlines are the same, but care needed in
transcription.
"Suggestion" = not in any
dictionary or rulebook, but my own best guess at how
to differentiate if you consider it necessary.
Distinguishing Outlines List
1 – A to C
Page date 16 May 2010
Distinguishing Outlines List
2 – D to H
Page date 16 May 2010
Distinguishing Outlines List
3 – I to P
Page date 5 June 2010
Distinguishing Outlines List
4 – Q to Y
Page date 16 May 2010
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