Is Cursive Writing Really Dead? Debunking the Myth

The debate over whether cursive writing is a relic of the past or still holds relevance in today's digital age has been ongoing. Traditionalists and enthusiasts have argued that cursive is more than just a form of writing—it enhances motor skills, promotes literacy, and serves as a unique form of personal expression. However, with the rise of digital communication and the shift towards keyboarding in educational settings, many are beginning to question its necessity.

The Decline of Cursive in Educational Settings

Many schools have adopted a digital-first approach, focusing on typing and keyboard skills that are crucial in today’s technology-driven world. This has led to a reduction in the emphasis on teaching cursive. For example, in the USA, a survey conducted at a handwriting conference by Zaner-Bloser, a publisher of cursive textbooks, found that of 90 attendees, only 37 wrote in cursive, another 8 printed, and 55 used a hybrid form of writing that combines elements of print and cursive.

The Benefits of Cursive—Or Lack Thereof

Early enthusiasm for cursive often stems from the perception that it is a ‘more adult’ form of writing. However, despite this myth, cursive has several inherent disadvantages. For instance, the introduction of the ballpoint pen in the late 1880s marked the beginning of the end for cursive as a practical form of handwriting. Feather pens, which are often associated with cursive, are cumbersome and require significant skill and effort, making them impractical for everyday writing.

Furthermore, recent research has debunked many of the benefits traditionally attributed to cursive. A study documented that legible cursive writing averages no faster than printed handwriting of equal legibility. More shockingly, cursive does not objectively improve reading, spelling, or language skills for students with dyslexia or dysgraphia. Cursive, in fact, can be more difficult for many, as evidenced by a 13-year-old dyslexic who consistently reversed letters when writing in cursive.

Practical Considerations and Alternatives

If the claims of cursive's benefits are not backed by research, then what does writing in cursive offer? Despite the traditional emphasis on cursive, writing in a print-like format combined with occasional joins can offer both speed and legibility. Research suggests that the fastest and clearest handwriters avoid writing in cursive entirely or only join certain letters, leaving others unjoined and using print-like shapes for letters with conflicting forms.

Perhaps the most compelling argument against cursive is that in the digital age, we don’t require children to learn to make their own pencils before teaching them to read. Similarly, it may be more practical to teach children to read cursive rather than insisting they learn to write it first. This approach not only encompasses reading cursive, which can be taught in just 30 to 60 minutes, but also other forms of handwriting that are more practical.

The Future of Handwriting

As technology continues to evolve, the lines between traditional and digital forms of communication are increasingly blurred. While it’s true that cursive is no longer as prevalent as it once was, it’s not entirely forgotten. Enthusiasts and educators who recognize the value of cursive continue to promote it through workshops and social media. However, the embrace of cursive is more about recognizing tradition and personal expression than practical necessity.

The debate over cursive may never fully resolve, but it’s clear that the pendulum has swung towards a more practical and efficient approach to handwriting. Whether or not cursive will have a place in the future remains to be seen, but it is certainly not dead yet.