Adam Tod Brown and Jeff May discuss the historical significance and modern challenges of cursive writing, exploring its decline in education and the ongoing cursive conundrum. They delve into handwriting techniques, the origins of cursive writing, and its evolution through history, from ancient civilizations to modern times.
The shift from fountain pens to ballpoint pens in the 1940s impacted the comfort and popularity of cursive writing due to increased pressure requirements.
Cursive styles reflect unique national and cultural identities, evolving from the Chinese grass script to the Italian Renaissance's influence on italics.
The origins of italics can be traced back to Niccoli's stylized cursive form in Italy in the 1400s, paying homage to ancient Roman writing and shaping modern italics.
Deep dives
Ballpoint Pens Revolutionize Writing
The invention of modern ballpoint pens in the 1940s significantly shifted away from cursive writing, making it less comfortable due to the pressure required in comparison to fountain pens or quills, impacting the way people wrote.
Cursive Styles Reflect Cultural Identities
Cursive writing styles developed over centuries with specific national and cultural identities. From the Chinese grass script in the 200s A.D. to the Italian Renaissance's influence on italics, cursive reflected unique attributes of various cultures.
Italics Originated as Distinctive Italian Cursive
The origins of italics can be traced back to Italy in the 1400s where Niccoli introduced a stylized cursive form as a tribute to ancient Roman writing, creating a unique and distinctive script that has evolved into the italics we see today.
Shifts in Cursive Teaching Methods
Cursive teaching methods evolved from the Spencerian cursive in the mid-1800s to the Palmer method in the late 19th century, shaping cursive education in the U.S. and other countries until the introduction of Common Core standards.
The Decline of Cursive in Modern Education
Despite its historical significance, the decline of cursive writing in modern education is evident, with a lack of scientific evidence supporting its benefits for cognitive development. Shifts in teaching methods and technological advancements have contributed to the diminishing emphasis on cursive in schools.