What Are People Who Are Left-handed But Write and Eat with Their Right Hand Called?
What Are People Who Are Left-handed But Write and Eat with Their Right Hand Called?
Ambidextrous and Mixed-handedness: Navigating Hand Preferences
The term ambi means two in Latin, marking the concept of ambidexterity as the ability to use both hands equally well. When speaking about people who are left-handed but write and eat with their right hand, we are essentially talking about individuals who are ambidextrous or cross-dominant.
Ambidexterity
Ambidextrous individuals can use either hand for most tasks with equal dexterity. Being ambidextrous is less common, with just 1 in 100 people truly being able to use both hands equally well, favoring one over the other. This trait might develop naturally, or it could be developed through extensive practice. For instance, a right-handed person who has lost their right hand due to an accident or disability might learn to use their left hand effectively after some training.
Mixed-handedness (Cross-dominance)
Mixed-handedness, also known as cross-dominance, is a condition where a person uses one hand for activities that one would typically use the dominant hand for, while using the other hand for other activities. For example, a person might use their right hand for writing but prefer to eat and use eating utensils with their dominant left hand.
Living in a Right-handed World: Adaptations and Challenges
Over time, many left-handed individuals, due to the prevalence of right-handed tools, devices, and societal norms, adapt by becoming more ambidextrous or mixed-handed. This is because the majority of the world is designed with the right hand in mind, ranging from scissors to door handles. However, being left-handed but preferring to use one's right hand for certain activities can sometimes present challenges in terms of dexterity and comfort.
Eating with the Right Hand
Eating with the right hand might not necessarily require the same level of dexterity as writing with the left hand. Many right-handed individuals use their left hand for other tasks that do not demand such fine motor skills. Still, the act of eating with the left hand in a culture where eating with the right hand is preferred can be uncomfortable and may involve a slight shift in personal habits.
Data and Prevalence
According to studies, approximately 10% of the population is left-handed. Ambidexterity, on the other hand, is much rarer, with a prevalence of about 1 in 100 people. True ambidexterity often involves an original dominant hand, with the other hand being somewhat lesser in proficiency. Individuals who develop ambidexterity through practice tend to favor their original dominant hand.
Historical Context and Cultural Norms
In the past, being left-handed was often considered a problem and might lead to suppression of natural handedness. In my generation, as an example, left-handedness was only a problem before starting school. The practice of forcing left-handed children to use their right hand, either by physical or practical means, was common. However, the use of canes as a punishment for left-handedness was discontinued, and freedom to be left-handed was granted, preventing the development of ambidexterity in many cases.
Conclusion and Personal Experience
My personal experience with a friend who could roll a joint while driving using only one hand highlights the adaptability of the human brain and body. Hand preference is influenced by numerous factors, including the specific tasks required and cultural norms. Being left-handed yet using the right hand for certain tasks does not negate one's left-handedness in a broader sense, as long as their left hand is used for most activities.
Differences Between Mixed-handedness and Ambidexterity
Mixed-handedness and ambidexterity are distinct conditions. An ambidextrous person can perform the same task equally well with both hands, while a mixed-handed person uses one hand for some tasks and another for different tasks. For instance, you might use your left hand for writing but your right hand for eating. These differences highlight the complexity of handedness and the adaptability of human behavior in a right-handed world.