The cursive script flows across the paper like a magical song echoing through the strings of a harp. Cursive letters are more difficult than block letters (or informal style writing). Lines, loops, spirals and eddies work rhythmically on roller coaster slopes and loops.
The formality of cursive writing was used in professional correspondence before the development of the typewriter in the 18th and 19th centuries. Italic connected words in a single stroke are quite distinct from “print” or block letters. “Co-writing” is a common phrase for cursive writing in British English. “Running deed” is the term sometimes used in Australia.
There are different types of handwriting styles in two categories:
o Manuscript (printed)
or italics
I remember that during first and second grades, I used the white tablet paper sectioned by solid blue and red lines, with dashes of a blue line going through the middle of the two. The area from the dashed line to the solid red line at the bottom of the section was the perimeter of the small letters. The range between the top solid blue line and the bottom solid red line was the designated area for writing capital letters. Continual development in personal calligraphy brought a sense of pride in his written work.
Let’s go back in history for a moment and examine the signatures on the Declaration of Independence, signed by members of Congress on July 4, 1776. Notice how the printing of this document flows with influences from a combination of cursive, script, Old English, and Handwritten letters. Often, I always heard a phrase when someone asked for my signature, they asked for my “John Hancock”. Nobody could give me an explanation about the origins of this saying, so I made my own summary. After looking at the image of the Declaration of Independence, the only signature that stands out to me located in the middle of the bottom of the document was that of John Hancock. Perhaps his creative and bold style provoked some jokes from his colleagues. But if you look closely at each individual signature, it’s clearly evident that these members of Congress were extremely meticulous with their majestic handwriting.
With the advent of computers, cursive writing was not standardized across different school systems in a variety of English-speaking countries. It seems that handwriting skills are declining mainly due to the convenience and variety of fonts stored on computers. Anyone can combat that claim by fine-tuning their writing when they practice constantly slanting their letters and making the letters continuous. The association between pen and paper is used as an avenue to promote personal expressions of writing, much like a brush to the canvas, allowing the hand to swing and glide creatively.
Many people are looking to re-popularize great and monumental things from the past that have been instrumental in the progression of modern technology and human development. We often hear this saying: “Everything old is new again.” This is clearly evident as we see car manufacturers going retro in their body styles, fashion trends going full circle, today’s commercials using a lot of popular songs from artists of yesteryear, and anything vintage is a paradise for collectors.
Today, “rarity” is an asset. Some creative traditions, such as cursive writing, should not be considered completely indifferent. Even though cursive has lost its popularity due to lack of demand and modern technology, why not sit back and take some time to rediscover the elegance and personal satisfaction of what this invaluable talent has to offer? Who knows if cursive writing will become retroactive? You certainly don’t want to be left in the dark if it does.