Physical Characteristics:
* Connected Letters: Letters are joined together in a flowing manner, with minimal lifting of the pen.
* Slant: Most cursive styles have a slant, typically to the right, though some styles are more upright.
* Loops: Many letters contain loops (like "b," "f," "g," "l," "p," etc.). These loops can be rounded or pointed, depending on the script.
* Joining Strokes: The way letters connect to each other is a key feature of cursive. Specific strokes, like the "join to the right" or "join to the left" are important for legibility.
* Ligatures: Some cursive scripts use special forms for letter combinations, like the "th" ligature or the "st" ligature.
Aesthetic Characteristics:
* Flowing and Dynamic: Cursive often gives the impression of movement and speed.
* Elegant and Stylish: The joined nature of cursive can lend an air of elegance and formality to writing.
* Personality: Cursive can often reflect the writer's personality.
* Legibility: While some cursive can be difficult to read, a well-practiced cursive script is often legible.
Other Characteristics:
* Speed: Cursive was designed to be faster than printing, as it eliminates the need to lift the pen for each letter.
* Efficiency: Cursive can be more efficient in terms of space used on a page compared to printing.
* History: Cursive has a long history and has been used for centuries.
Variations in Cursive:
* Styles: There are many different styles of cursive, including Palmer, Spencerian, and Italic. Each style has its own unique characteristics.
* Personal Variations: Each person develops their own unique cursive style based on their personal habits and preferences.
Keep in mind that cursive is not a single, fixed style of handwriting. It encompasses a variety of different scripts with their own features and qualities.