Writer vs Stenographer
Writer and Stenographer are two professionals that show some differences in the nature of their work. A writer by profession is a person who earns his livelihood by writing as a freelancer or as a fiction writer. On the other hand, a stenographer is a person who uses stenography to take down passages when dictated by his employer. This highlights that the role of a writer is different from the role of a stenographer. Through this article let us examine the differences between these two professionals.
Who is a Writer?
As mentioned above, a writer by profession is a person who earns his livelihood by writing as a freelancer or as a fiction writer. He does earn money even by writing news for different online and offline magazines. Unlike a stenographer, a writer does not use shorthand but uses the long hand and the normal way of writing down words and phrases.
A writer needs t have a lot of imagination if he creates novels and short stories. This is an art that the individual has to develop because not everyone can be writers. The writer should be able to catch the attention of the reader and retain it as well. It is only then that he can become a writer that can reach out to people.
Who is a Stenographer?
A stenographer is a person who uses stenography to take down passages when dictated by his employer. The process of writing in shorthand is called stenography. The word ‘stenography’ is derived from the Greek ‘stenos’ and ‘graphie’ which mean ‘narrow’ and ‘writing’ respectively.
A stenographer uses symbols and abbreviations for words and phrases. He practices it so well that he would be in a position to write using stenography when people speak fast. It is thus believed that knowledge of stenography is an added advantage for all the writers since they can use stenography to write down the rough drafts of passages and essays. A stenographer is considered an essential part of secretarial training. He plays a very vital part in journalism.
In other words, it can be said that a stenographer becomes a better writer than the normal longhand writer. On the other hand, a writer is called by different other names in an office. He maintains accounts of a particular concern or firm.
One of the most important differences between writer and stenographer is that a writer can work independently whereas a stenographer cannot work independently. He has to depend on somebody who dictates passages or someone who speaks. It is interesting to note that in recent times stenographers are slowly being replaced by dictation machines. On the other hand, a writer cannot be replaced for that matter. This highlights that there exists a clear difference between a writer and a stenographer. Now let us summarize the difference as follows.
What is the Difference Between a Writer and a Stenographer?
Definitions of Writer and Stenographer:
Writer: A writer by profession is a person who earns his livelihood by writing as a freelancer or as a fiction writer.
Stenographer: A stenographer is a person who uses stenography to take down passages when dictated by his employer.
Characteristics of Writer and Stenographer:
Usage of shorthand:
Writer: A writer does not use shorthand but uses the long hand and the normal way of writing down words and phrases.
Stenographer: A stenographer uses symbols and abbreviations for words and phrases. He practices it so well that he would be in a position to write using stenography when people speak fast.
State of dependency:
Writer: A writer can work independently.
Stenographer: A stenographer cannot work independently. He has to depend on somebody who dictates passages or someone who speaks.
Significance:
Writer: A writer cannot be replaced.
Stenographer: Stenographers are slowly being replaced by dictation machines.
Image Courtesy:
1. LERONE BENNETT, WELL KNOWN BLACK WRITER WHO IS SENIOR EDITOR AT EBONY MAGAZINE, IN HIS OFFICE AT JOHNSON PUBLISHING… – NARA – 556250 By John H. White, 1945-, Photographer (NARA record: 4002141) (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Tule Lake Relocation Center, Newell, California. Elva Shinozaki, Stenographer. – NARA – 536678 By Stewart, Francis, War Relocation Authority photographer, Photographer (NARA record: 8464475) (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
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