Cursive

Not all letters connect in cursive. You can only link letters in cursive if they end on the baseline, which some do not. This rule does not apply to all typefaces, though, and you can find particular cursive typefaces that link letters differently or not at all.

Cursive can be synonymous with a script, and they are often used interchangeably. A script can be described as a person’s handwriting. On the other hand, cursive is a style of writing where the letter within the word is connected. Although, cursive is considered a type of script.

Cursive is not faster to write than print, although it does have other benefits. The most rapid style is D’Nealian, a hybrid between printing and cursive. However, the best technique for an individual depends on the type they are comfortable with and like most.

Brain imaging studies have shown that learning cursive activates parts of the brain that are not used when printing or keyboard typing. It is an important tool in cognitive development as the brain is required to combine elements of sensation, movement, and thinking while forming letters.

Most languages have a form of cursive, where you attach the letters as you handwrite them. You can write cursive in any Latin alphabet language, including Spanish and French. Languages that are written in Cyrillic or Chinese characters also have cursive versions. Arabic and Hebrew lack cursive.

As cursive disappears from schools, many parents are teaching their children this handwriting style at home, convinced that it has strong historical, cognitive, therapeutic, and aesthetic advantages. Cursive might come with benefits, but can it help give kids an edge in our digital world? Let’s explore cursive’s pros and cons.