This Is My Handwriting: a Study of How Children's Relationship to Handwriting Is Changing and What it Means for the Future of Typography

Abstract

In an increasingly digitized world, the role of handwriting in education and its impact on typography is undergoing a transformative shift. This thesis aims to address the evolving significance of handwriting by focusing on three key areas: its role in education, its influence on individual identity, and its relevance in the field of typography. The research specifically targets the Latin Script and takes a geographic focus on Norway and Germany, while also incorporating studies from other countries for a comprehensive analysis. In a milieu where digital competence is highly prized, the study explores what could be gained or lost as handwriting becomes a declining practice. By drawing upon both historical perspectives and current societal values, the thesis seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of handwriting's place in the digital age, particularly concerning its cognitive, cultural, and artistic implications. Keywords: Handwriting, Digital Age, Education, Typography, Individual Identity, Latin Script, Cognitive Benefits, Technological Advancement, Norway, Germany