How Handwriting Keeps Us One Step Ahead of Machines

In a world rapidly transformed by the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Domingo Alberto Vital Díaz, the director of the Center for Teaching Foreigners at the National University, has highlighted the enduring importance of teaching handwriting. He believes that handwriting is not just a vestige of the past but a vital tool for learning and personal development in the digital age.

During his recent talk as part of the series of lectures titled “Reflections and Approaches to Philology,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Philological Research Institute of the National University, Dr. Vital Díaz offered compelling insights into the significance of handwriting in the era of AI and digital networks.

Dr. Vital Díaz drew an analogy between learning to write and learning to drive a car with an autopilot feature. He emphasized that just as one must learn to drive to manage an autopilot effectively, individuals must learn to write to master the array of support tools available to them. Handwriting, according to him, isn't an archaic skill but a means to wield technology effectively rather than being overwhelmed by it.

“The Death of Literate Culture,” a work authored by Dr. Vital Díaz in 2016, underscores this viewpoint. It advocates for the continued relevance of handwriting in an increasingly digital world.

Dr. Vital Díaz acknowledged that the use of socio-digital networks and AI presents significant challenges to the field of philology, the study of language in historical texts and the analysis of linguistic systems. However, he also expressed confidence in the National University's capacity to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth.

He noted that technological innovations, while initially disruptive, eventually become integral parts of our daily lives. Philology, a discipline deeply rooted in tradition, can adapt to these changes and find new ways to thrive.

The Crucial Role of Language and Communication

Language, for Dr. Vital Díaz, is more than a mere means of communication; it is the key to understanding the world and fostering socialization. Words, gestures, and speech shape human interaction, and learning a language is a process of imitation and appropriation that opens doors to society.

In today's world, where social relations rely heavily on words and communication, a diminishing emphasis on listening could create misunderstandings and gaps in communication. Dr. Vital Díaz emphasized the importance of understanding and how it contributes to preventing violence and fostering peace.

Dr. Vital Díaz concluded by highlighting the role of philology in combating extremism, populism, and violence, all of which threaten to undermine the pursuit of knowledge and the scientific spirit. He stressed that philology, as a discipline of precision and accuracy, is essential in preserving the integrity of language and culture, ensuring that society does not succumb to falsehoods and misinformation.

In a world dominated by technology and digital interfaces, Domingo Alberto Vital Days insights remind us that the humble act of handwriting remains a valuable skill, a connection to our cognitive processes. It is a key to understanding and preserving the truth in an ever-evolving landscape of information and communication. As we embrace the future, let us not forget the timeless importance of the written word.