Handwriting as Cultural Heritage
Handwriting is an expression of individuality. The unique characteristic style of the written word displays the personality of the writer on paper.
Our own writing says so much about us and is part of our personality. Handwriting is a form of body language that stays with us throughout our lives, says graphologist Elisabeth Charkow. The choice of paper, for example personal writing paper, can also be a mark of this individuality – you can choose smooth paper, which allows a fountain pen to glide across its surface or, conversely, structured or laid paper, which can break up the writing flow a little. This means paper gives handwriting that extra touch of character. Additionally, the choice of pen, nip and ink is a source of individual style.
Handwriting is not only an expression of personality but is an aesthetic medium, which has a number of very important positive effects. Writing on paper activates many areas of brain activity at the same time and promotes synapse connections, as opposed to typing on a PC. It boosts the imagination, creativity, improves spelling and the attention span. Writing leaves a trail of thoughts in your head. Writing a text by hand demands deep forethought and the ability to observe something as a whole. This is very important today, when we are striving to solve complex problems amid a flood of information. Last but not least, writing should be seen as a key element in education.
Writing connects, it wants attention and it is a transportation medium for language.
"A letter is a chain of words that connects two people."
– Miriam Meckel in "Brief an mein Leben", Rohwolt Verlag 2010
Writing is not just a message, but also a means to convey feelings – a further beautiful facet!
Handwriting as a form of art is known as calligraphy. But we can discuss this another time…