Cursive Writing: A Dying Art, History and Future

Cursive writing is a style of handwriting in which the letters are connected. It has been used for centuries, and it was once the standard way to write in many languages. However, cursive writing is now becoming less and less common, especially in English-speaking countries.

The history of cursive writing:

The origins of cursive writing can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. However, the modern form of cursive writing developed in Europe during the Middle Ages. This was due in part to the development of the quill pen, which made it easier to write quickly

One of the earliest examples of cursive writing is the Carolingian script, which was developed in the 8th century AD. This script was used by scribes to copy manuscripts, and it eventually spread to other parts of Europe.

In the 15th century AD, a new cursive script emerged in Italy. This script was known as Italic, and it was developed by humanist scholars who were inspired by ancient Roman handwriting.

Cursive writing was also promoted by the Catholic Church, which used it to write religious texts.

Italic quickly became popular throughout Europe, and it is the basis for many modern cursive scripts, including the Palmer method, which is the most common cursive script taught in the United States today.

By the Renaissance, cursive writing was the standard way to write in many European languages. It was used to write letters, books, and official documents.

Cursive Writing in the United States:

Cursive writing was introduced to the United States in the 17th century. It was taught in schools and used in everyday life.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, cursive writing was an essential part of education in the United States. Students were taught to write cursive in elementary school, and they continued to use it throughout their education and careers.

Here are some of the reasons why cursive writing is declining:

• The rise of typewriters and computers: Typewriters and computers have made it easier to write quickly and legibly, without having to learn cursive writing.
• Changes in educational standards: Many schools no longer require students to learn cursive writing. This is because educators believe that time is better spent teaching other skills, such as typing and computer skills.
• The popularity of electronic devices: Electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets have made it easy to communicate without having to write at all.

Here are some of the reasons why cursive writing is still important:

• It can be faster and more efficient than print writing: When writing in cursive, you do not have to pick up your pen or pencil after each letter. This can save time, especially when writing long passages of text.
• It can improve cognitive skills: Studies have shown that learning cursive writing can improve memory and concentration.
• It can be useful in a number of situations: Cursive writing is still required in some situations, such as signing checks or legal documents.
• It is a beautiful and elegant form of handwriting: Cursive writing can be used to create beautiful and elegant handwritten letters, cards, and notes.

Is cursive writing going extinct?

It is difficult to say whether or not cursive writing is going extinct. It is certainly becoming less common, but it is still taught in some schools and used by some people.

Only time will tell whether or not cursive writing will survive in the digital age. However, it is clear that it has played an important role in human history, and it is a skill that is worth preserving.