Teeline

Teeline shorthand is a system of shorthand writing designed to enable rapid transcription of speech. It uses a simplified set of letter outlines and symbols to represent sounds, words, and phrases, allowing writers to record language quickly while maintaining legibility. The method emphasizes a phonetic approach rather than strict spelling, and relies on a combination of alphabetic outlines, diacritic marks for vowels, and a set of common-word signs to speed recording.

One goal of Teeline is to be easier to learn than some other shorthand systems, while still enabling high speeds. Learners typically start with the core alphabet and simple outlines, then expand with occasional symbols for frequent words and standard contractions. Punctuation and formatting are adapted to align with modern writing, and many learners use Teeline in live note-taking, court reporting, and journalism.

Historically, Teeline was developed in the United Kingdom during the mid-20th century and gained popularity in journalism and secretarial work. Today it remains in use in some schools and professional circles, though digital transcription and other methods have reduced its dominance. Proficiency in Teeline is measured by speed, with many programs targeting 80-100 words per minute for newcomers and higher speeds for trained stenographers.