Cursive Writing in the Age of Digital Communication

Is cursive writing becoming extinct? Cursive writing, also known as script or longhand, is a style of writing where the letters are joined together in a flowing manner. It was once taught as a standard skill in schools, but nowadays, it is often replaced by print or typing.

I Remember…

As a child, I remember sitting for what seemed like hours practicing my longhand, perfecting it. I had pride in my work and wanted to do the very best I could. Cursive writing was a necessary skill that I would need in the future. I had the same mind set when it came to reading, and arithmetic, feeling a sense of accomplishment when I honed a new skill. I did it on my own, without the help of a computer.

The Modern Age …

The newer generations are growing up in the modern world where computers can do everything. There are audio apps for reading, calculators for math, and word processing programs for composition. Emojis will express our feelings in a language that everyone can understand. Type in a few commands and wait for an answer.

Why Does Cursive Matter?

Why should we care about cursive writing in the age of digital communication? Well, there are many reasons why it’s important and useful, not only for our kids, but also for our society. Here are some of them:

Brain Development

Cursive writing contributes to brain development, improves cognitive skills and increases your attention span. It can also help with memory, reading comprehension and creativity. Research has shown that longhand writing activates different parts of the brain than print or typing and enhances the coordination between the left and right hemispheres.

An EEG-based study by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) lets us know the importance of cursive handwriting in this Computer Age. Even if students use digital pens and write by hand on an interactive computer screen, cursive handwriting improves memory and cognitive function. These findings (Askvik, Van der Weel, & Van der Meer, 2020) were recently published in Frontiers in Psychology.

Individuality

Cursive writing encourages individuality and self-expression. Unlike print or typing, this expressive writing is personalized and varies, depending on the writer. Each person’s handwriting is unique and reflects their personality and mood. Graphologists can analyze cursive writing and tell you details about the penman’s personality. They can even point out danger signals found in the writing (such as mental illness). Printing and typing tells you little to nothing about the writer, because it is so non-descript.

History and Culture

Cursive writing preserves history and culture. And it’s a part of our heritage and legacy. Many historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, were written in cursive. Many famous authors, artists, and leaders also wrote longhand when creating their works and sharing their ideas. I can imagine a time in the future when nobody will be able to read our historical documents and writings. Perhaps there will be cursive writing experts, as there are now specialists who can read hieroglyphics. By learning this important writing skill, we can connect with our past and appreciate our culture.

The Future of cursive writing

Cursive writing prepares us for the future. Although longhand may seem outdated in the digital era, it is actually a valuable skill that can give us an edge in the future. Also, cursive writing can help us with tasks that require speed, accuracy, and confidentiality, such as taking notes, signing contracts, or filling out forms. This skill might also come in handy in situations that require resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness, such as power outages, emergencies, or disasters.

My Opinion

As you can see, cursive writing is not just a relic of the past, but a vital tool for the present and the future. And no, it isn’t becoming extinct; it is evolving and adapting to the changing needs and preferences of our society. In an era where it’s encouraged to be just “one of the crowd”, writing longhand inspires individuality. I feel honored to be a part of a generation where the skill of cursive writing is considered a privilege and a pleasure, rather than a burdensome relic of the past.

So, let’s not give up on cursive writing. Embrace it, practice it, and enjoy it. Let’s teach our kids the beauty and benefits of cursive writing and keep it alive and thriving for generations to come.