Penmanship--Caligrafía/Escritura

[lblanco]

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!

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

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.

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by lblanco

Penmanship!

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

Would not letra be acceptable?

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

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

[poli]

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.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

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.

[aleCcowaN]

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".

[lblanco]

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!

[Perikles]

Originally Posted by poli

I think it comes from Greek for beautiful writing..

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.

[Luna Azul]

Originally Posted by Perikles

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

Would not letra be acceptable?

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

pen·man·ship (pĕn'mən-shĭp′)

n. The art, skill, style, or manner of handwriting; calligraphy.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language

My vote goes to "escritura".