Cursive Handwriting: Is It Still Necessary in the Digital Age?

The modern digital age has brought about numerous changes in the way we communicate and write. Technology has simplified many processes and made writing more accessible, but the question still remains: is cursive handwriting necessary in today's world?

Personal Experience and Opinions

I haven’t written in cursive since my 6th-grade class, about half a century ago. Since then, I have not engaged in much writing by hand, except during my university days, around 40 years ago. I haven’t written anything by hand expecting it to be read by others since then. As such, I believe that cursive handwriting is not necessary for most of us.

Regarding my reaction to writing in cursive, I recall it causing perpetual hand and forearm cramping. The illegibility of my handwriting often led to incomplete assignments or non-submissions, as I couldn't finish them in one sitting. This experience makes it challenging to discuss cursive handwriting in a polite setting.

Cursive Handwriting and Modern Society

Today, in societies where handwritten notes are required, printing is often sufficient and easier to read and write. The time spent on cursive handwriting could be better spent learning more relevant skills for the modern world. However, calligraphy and handwritten thank you notes can be appreciated, and these can be cultivated as electives if one enjoys them.

Is It Truly Necessary?

It’s challenging to determine what is truly 'necessary' in the digital era. Is it even necessary to learn to write with pen and paper anymore? Personally, I value the skill and am determined to ensure it doesn’t disappear.

Practical Considerations

While some might argue that cursive handwriting is unnecessary, there are practical benefits that make it valuable. Many forms and documents still require handwritten signatures, and even when digital forms are available, they can be time-consuming and challenging to fill out if done by printing.

For example, my daughter had to fill out forms by hand recently because the bank’s computers were down. She had to print each letter individually, which took a considerable amount of time. In contrast, if she had written the forms in cursive, they would have been completed much faster. Additionally, many job applications, legal documents, medical forms, and other official documents still require handwritten signatures.

Besides, reading handwritten documents from the past can be a challenge if you only know how to print. Understanding various forms of handwriting can be a useful skill. It’s not just about having an appreciation for calligraphy; it’s about being able to comprehend historical and legacy documents.

Conclusion

While cursive handwriting may not be necessary for everyone, its value remains undiminished. Even in the digital age, the ability to write by hand and read handwritten documents is a valuable skill. Whether you learn it because you enjoy it or find it practical, cursive handwriting is an important part of our cultural heritage that should be preserved.