[One Thousand Characters a Day] The Power of 'Transcription' to Improve Writing Skills <2>

Editor's NoteThe goals of transcription vary for each person. Some transcribe scriptures out of religious faith, some are deeply inspired by the content of a book, and others use transcription as a form of meditation. In fact, it is said that through transcription, one gains observational skills, the power of close reading, and the effects of meditation and immersion. However, the goal of transcription as described in this book is solely to 'improve writing skills.' Instructor Kim Min-young states, "If you blame your writing skills and dismiss writing as a matter of talent, now is the time to start. You will realize on the path from analyzing excellent sentences to transcription and composition that 80% of writing skill is the result of training and practice." The text contains 905 characters.

Immersion is the phenomenon where all mental focus converges on one point. The act of immersion is similar to meditation. Those who have sat in meditation experience moments of immersion. Meditation emphasizes the act of inhaling and exhaling. Breathing is usually done without conscious thought, but during meditation, one focuses on it. Breathing is a natural action, while meditation is a conscious behavior. For readers, reading might be as natural as comfortable breathing. However, transcription requires conscious 'immersion' like meditation. Transcribing without concentration has no effect. When immersed in the sentences during transcription, one can grasp the author's style more accurately. Great writers revise countless times to craft a single sentence. Transcribing excellent sentences and analyzing the style has a significant effect on writing skills. Transcription is a prerequisite for good writing. Meditation stabilizes breathing and leads to self-reflection, and transcription is similar. When transcribing sentences that moved you, you discover new insights beyond just reading. Thus, the difference between reading and transcription is as great as the difference between breathing and meditation.

Then, how much concentration is required during transcription? Even a brief distraction while reading makes understanding the context difficult. You must quickly stop your thoughts and return to the part you were reading to comprehend the content. Transcription demands much higher immersion than reading. You must memorize or familiarize yourself with even a few syllables to transfer them to your notebook. If you are only busy copying carelessly, the effect diminishes. Reading aloud once and repeating it verbally while writing with a pencil greatly enhances text comprehension. You also discover parts you missed while reading. Do not write quickly during transcription. Even if your handwriting is not beautiful, write without mistakes. Even if your handwriting is poor, it is recommended to write as neatly as possible. Be careful not to scribble hastily. Seeing the words written on paper gives a sense of accomplishment.

- Kim Min-young, Lee Jin-hee, Kim Je-hee, Kwon Jeong-hee, Special Lecture on Transcription Writing Skills, Book by Book, 14,000 KRW