《你多久没有用手写字了》

When did you last write a letter? Properly write one – by hand?

你上一次写信是什么时候？完全用手写。

In a digital world, where sending a text or email is far more convenient than using snail mail, is the writing on the wall for traditional pen and paper? Well, some people claim that writing still has many benefits, so maybe it's not time to ditch your ballpoint or fountain pen yet.

在数字世界里，发送文本或电子邮件远比使用蜗牛般的邮寄信件方便得多，用传统的笔和纸写的内容挂在墙上吗？当然，一部分人表示书写确实有很多好处，所以也许现在还不是放弃圆珠笔或钢笔的时候。

These days, when people request things in writing, a typed, electronic document will be accepted. Doing this on a computer means it could be saved, edited, duplicated and sent via email. But crafting a handwritten document is unique: It requires planning and thought, and, as well as practicing your handwriting, it helps you to remember spelling and punctuation.

现如今，当人们以书面形式提出要求时，是能接受打字的电子文档的。在电脑上进行这些操作意味着书面内容是可以被保存、编辑、复制或通过电子邮件发送的。但是手写的文字却是独一无二的：因为它需要计划和构思，除了练习手写之外，它还可以帮助您记住单词的拼写和标点符号的使用。

Some experts believe your brain benefits from using old-fashioned pen and paper. This is particularly relevant for students, where typing notes into a laptop is thought to lack the 'tactile feedback' to the brain that contact between pen and paper does. BBCWorklife website quotes Hetty Roessing from the University of Calgary, who says that "taking notes by hand involves cognitive engagement in summarizing, paraphrasing, organizing, concept and vocabulary mapping." Others agree that handwriting may boost fine motor skills in your hands and fingers.

一些专家也认为，使用传统的笔和纸会使您的大脑受益。这一点对于学生来说尤为重要，因为在笔记本电脑中记录或书写笔记被认为缺乏对大脑的“触觉反馈”，而笔和纸之间的接触却并非如此。BBC Worklife 网站引用了卡尔加里大学的 Hetty Roessing 的话，她说“以手写来做笔记涉及在总结、释义、组织、概念和词汇映射方面的认知参与。” 其他赞同此观点的人也表示，手写会提高您的手和手指的精细运动技能。

There are everyday benefits to using pen and paper too.

Scribbling notes, shopping lists, or messages on the back of an envelope can still be useful, quick and portable. But putting pen to paper in a letter to a friend or loved one can probably have the most impact. Pen pal writer Katherine Moller told the BBC: "In a world where it is so easy to hop online to email or to send a fast text, it is so personal and so precious to know someone chose to turn off the virtual world to spend some time with you."

使用笔和纸也有日常的好处。

在信封背面涂鸦笔记、记录购物清单内容或留言条等这些形式也有用，因为这样更加高效且便于携带。但是，在写给朋友或亲人的信中用笔在纸书写可能会产生最大的影响。Pen Pal作家凯瑟琳·莫勒 (Katherine Moller) 告诉 BBC：“在现如今一个可以便捷的发送邮件或发送网络消息的世界里，有人选择离开网络（虚拟）世界来花费ta个人的宝贵时间和你一起交流是多么难得。”

So, while digital skills remain important, don't write off your pens and pencils yet – especially if your smartphone, tablet or laptop runs out of power!

因此，数字技能仍然很重要，但不要忘记你的钢笔和铅笔——尤其是在您的智能手机、平板电脑或笔记本电脑没电的情况下！

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