i have wondered why children are taught cursive writing in India, while in the US most of the writing practice is to 'print'.
one also finds a lot of variations in the script and handwriting - sometimes possibly influenced by the other - mostly vernacular - language that is also taught.
Indian scripts require a different stroke mechanism, while the Roman script expects the hand and pen to move differently.
and there is no concept of a cursive writing in Indian languages.
nor for that matter, in the typed world.
since most of us type our words using computer keyboards, is there still a place for cursive writing?
one argument that i have heard in favour of cursive writing is that it lets one write fast.
i guess that was ok when everyone was expected to learn typewriting and shorthand!
in writing letters or emails or other notes, a larger amount of time is spent in thinking and formulating our sentences than in the actual writing. so, the benefit of speed is also not all that important.
if it was really that beneficial, why can we all not adopt the shorthand notation and script?
that could be one solution to the multi-lingual requirements of the Indian constitution.
why is this post called recursive writing?
it is writing about writing!
2 comments:
My wife used to be a school teacher and from what I got to know - cursive writing helps in children developing a better handwriting, finger movements and writing skills.
However, looking at the manner in which computer has taken the world by storm, I do appreciate that children of tomorrow will be more familiar with the keys of a computer than with the nuances of handwriting skills. I remember that with the advent of calculators, the 'sutras' of mathematical calculations became obsolete.
During my school days, when I need to write notes/assignments, wondered if we can use shorthand scripts
Post a Comment