by
Kyu Park
Handwriting is more than a scribbled representation of language. In a single letter, the uniqueness of the writer is shown. The last curvy tail of my T is something I can’t observe in any other person’s writing: mine is one of a kind.
You must look carefully at other people’s handwriting in order to decode it completely. As you read it carefully, you not only discover the literal meaning of the written words, but you also discover the characteristic of fonts that reflect the writer’s personality. According to the discipline of graphology, thin letters usually reflect the capriciousness of the writer, while round letters demonstrate shyness and timidity. In my opinion, my t presents my energetic and passionate aspects. Just like how the tail of t stem boldly goes forward, I too sometimes bravely march forward.
Handwriting reflects the unpredictable, constantly changing nature of humans. You unconsciously present your daily mood via each letters. In my case, for example, the degree of the curve of a t might change depending on the mood–if I am having a great day, the curve will be more round, producing delighted, dancing forms. If I am having a rough day, Sharp T takes its place, ready to poke any surrounding letters. Look carefully at other people’s handwriting–or even at your own handwriting. Can you hear the voice the letters are speaking to you? Are they shouting with rage, or are they speaking in peaceful, patient tone? Mine at least is speaking in a nervous, yet exciting voice.
Sure, typing it takes less effort, less time, and less pain in the hand muscles. It is almost inevitably neater than handwriting. Handwriting is not even clearly legible; sometimes I even struggle to read my own. As a method of communication, my handwriting is far away from perfection.
But it is that imperfection that lets handwriting convey my emotions and personality. The imperfect handwriting shows the humble imperfection of human nature. The moment you surrender your pen’s nib to paper, you spill out legible traces of your life history, your representation.
