Brief Summary
This session focuses on understanding and applying first position vowels in shorthand. It explains the concept of first position vowels, differentiates between the sounds of "a" and "ae," and provides examples for practice. The session emphasizes the importance of consistent practice with strokes, short forms, and new words to improve shorthand skills.
- First position vowels are crucial for accurate shorthand writing.
- The position of the stroke above the line indicates a first position vowel.
- Differentiating between similar sounds requires attention to spelling and pronunciation.
- Regular practice is essential for mastering shorthand.
Introduction
The session begins with a welcome and an overview of the day's topic: first position vowels in shorthand. The instructor addresses a question about diphones, clarifying that they are not essential for English stenography and that focusing on core concepts is more beneficial for efficient dictation. The instructor encourages viewers to download the Adda247 app for easy access to materials and to subscribe to the channel for updates on content, syllabus, notifications, and exam results.
Shorthand Book and महा पैक Offer
A shorthand book designed for beginners is introduced, offering comprehensive theory, practice, and solutions. It's available on the Adda247 website and via a link in the class description. Additionally, a special offer on the Stenography Mahapack is announced, featuring a 79% discount and triple validity. By using the code Y92, students can access all stenography batches included in the Mahapack, which is particularly useful for upcoming exams in August.
Understanding First Position Vowels
The lesson transitions to the core topic of first position vowels. The instructor explains that in shorthand, every stroke has three positions: first, second, and third. For downward strokes, the starting point is the first position, the center is the second, and the end is the third. Similarly, for horizontal strokes, the left side is the first position, the middle is the second, and the right side is the third. When applying first position vowels, the stroke must be written above the line, not on it.
Vowel Sounds and Application
The first vowel sound discussed is "aa," represented by a dark dot in the first position. For example, to write "pa," the "p" stroke is made above the line with a dark dot at the first position. Similarly, "ma" is written with the "m" stroke above the line and a dark dot at the first position. The word "path" is demonstrated with the "p" stroke above the line and "th" following, with the dark dot on the "p." The second vowel sound is "a," represented by a light dot.
Differentiating "A" Sounds
The instructor addresses the confusion between the two "a" sounds, explaining that the distinction lies in the spelling. For example, "bag" (with an "a") uses a light dot in the first position, while "beg" (with an "e") uses a light dot in the second position. The key is to listen to the sound first and then check the spelling to determine the correct vowel placement. It's crucial to avoid relying solely on spelling without considering the sound, as demonstrated with the words "lag" and "leg."
Practice Words and Examples
Several practice words are provided to illustrate the application of first position vowels, including "calm," "pack," "bath," "tank," "attach," "gang," "damage," "shadow," "am," "bank," "catch," "cash," "add," and "pal." The instructor demonstrates how to write each word, emphasizing the correct stroke placement above the line and the appropriate use of dark and light dots for the "aa" and "a" sounds, respectively. Compound words like "damage" and "shadow," which contain two vowels, are also explained, noting that the first vowel determines the stroke's position.
Strategic Practice for Mastery
The session concludes with a review of the two first position vowel sounds and their corresponding symbols. The instructor advises students to understand the application of these vowels, practice writing the example words, and then check their work. Consistent practice is emphasized, with a recommendation to write each word three times and to dedicate one page each to practicing all strokes and short forms. This consistent practice is essential for continuous improvement and preventing setbacks in shorthand skills.
