Is there Greek cursive?

Answered by John Hunt

Greek cursive writing, or the use of flowing, connected letters, is not widely practiced in Greece. Unlike in some other languages, such as English or Russian, where cursive writing is commonly taught and used, Greek handwriting typically follows a non-cursive style. However, it is worth noting that some Greeks do employ cursive forms in their hand-writing, but this practice is not as prevalent.

In non-cursive Greek writing, each letter is written separately, with clear breaks between them. This style is often referred to as “block letters” or “print letters.” Each letter retains its distinct shape and is not connected to the letters that come before or after it. This type of handwriting is commonly taught in schools and is used in formal settings such as printed texts, official documents, and signage.

However, some Greeks may choose to write in a more calligraphic or cursive style for personal or artistic purposes. In these cases, the letters may be connected, and the writing may appear more fluid. These cursive forms of Greek letters often resemble their non-cursive counterparts but with added flowing strokes and ligatures.

For example, the letter “A” in non-cursive Greek writing is written as “Α” (capital) or “α” (lowercase). In cursive writing, the letter “A” may be written with a loop at the top and a connecting stroke to the next letter, resembling a handwritten “a” in English cursive.

It is important to note that the use of cursive writing in Greek is not standardized, and individuals may develop their own unique cursive styles. This lack of standardization further contributes to the lesser prevalence of cursive writing in Greek.

As for my personal experience, I have encountered both non-cursive and cursive Greek handwriting throughout my life. While the majority of written Greek texts I have come across follow the non-cursive style, I have occasionally seen individuals using cursive writing for personal notes or informal communication. These instances, however, have been relatively rare compared to the predominant use of non-cursive writing.

Greek cursive writing is not as prevalent as non-cursive writing in Greece. While some Greeks may use cursive forms for personal or artistic purposes, the majority of written Greek texts follow a non-cursive style. The use of cursive writing in Greek is not standardized, and individuals may develop their own unique cursive styles.