1. The word transcription – defined by the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary as “the act or process of making a written, printed, or typed copy of words that have been spoken” – has been in common use since the 17th Century (first known use was in 1598). It probably originated from the Latin word transcribere (trans- ‘across’ + scribere ‘write’).
2. Did you know that normally we speak at a rate of 150 to 170 words per minute? That’s on average 10,000 words an hour!
3. A professional transcriber can type between 80 and 100 words per minute. However, based on a clear audio, a 1 hour interview takes between 4 and 6 hours to transcribe.
4. Not so long ago (in fact when I started transcribing I used one of these dinosaurs), transcibers used cassette tape transcription machines to transcribe interviews and audio recordings. These relics were used to transcribe interviews recorded on “huge” analogue cassette tapes that at most had 90 minutes worth of audio material. BTW: I once owned a Walkman (I was so cool)…the good old days.
5. “Modern” transcription software allows transcribers to transcribe interviews into a word processor without having to switch back and forth and control audio play with a set of keyboard hotkeys or a foot pedal.
5 + 1. The use of the word “transcription” has quadrupled since the 1960s.
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P.s Did you (or do you) own a Walkman?