Penmanship--Caligrafía/Escritura

Penmanship--Caligrafía/Escritura
 

The word penmanship is used as a heading in a student's evaluation, what is the best word to used in this context? Caligrafía/Escritura

Penmanship

• The student prints upper and lower case letters legibly
• He writes left to right and top to bottom
• He writes with proper spacing and size

Thank you!

I think in this context both, "caligrafía" and "escritura" can be used, although many people around me find "caligrafía" a little archaic, so I'd think "escritura" would be better. ;)

I don't know what others think, but I find the English word ridiculous. Exactly what does it mean in context if not handwriting? :thinking: i.e. can he/she actually write?

Would not letra be acceptable?

Hmmm... May be... but too colloquial for me. :thinking:

To me calligraphy is the type of writing in fancy invitations, old bibles and
korans. I think it comes from Greek for beautiful writing. I assume the meaning is the same in the Spanish
caligrafía.

Not really, at least not for me. Fancy writing can be "escritura bonita" / "letra bonita" / "escritura con adornos"..., but "caligrafía" is more associated with mastering the movement of the pen/pencil to have a clean and proper writing. :)

I think that "caligrafía" is overkilling but still the best choice because people like their kids doing important things -so writing doodles that can be understood and knowing where to start a line and how to finish it becomes the deeds of a Chinese artist skilfully brushing on a piece of silk paper-. I have also seen "mecánica de la escritura" for these specific abilities, which simply are "destreza para escribir".

Thank you all for your input. I did some research in the California Department of Education website, and they refer to it as "escritura and expresión escrita". I think I'll go with escritura.

Have a wonderful week! :)

Yes it does, but originally meant beautiful style (Aristotle) rather than how pretty the actual letters were. Later it took on the meaning of actual handwriting and even painting.

I agree with you, the word sounds ridiculous. I even thought it wasn't a real word, but......

My vote goes to "escritura".

:)