Left-handedness

Left-handedness: features of brain development and problems of left-handers

Left-handedness is an unusual phenomenon in which a person prefers to use his left hand instead of his right. About 10-15% of the population are left-handed. Although left-handedness is not an anomaly, this phenomenon causes certain difficulties in the life of left-handers.

During the development of the human brain, a division of functions occurs between the left and right hemispheres. The left hemisphere is responsible for such important functions as speech, reading, writing, counting, and complex forms of analytical activity (logical, mathematical), while the right hemisphere is responsible for concrete activities. Therefore, the left hemisphere is called predominant, or dominant.

Since most people are left-brain dominant, the dominant hand is therefore the right. Therefore, working and eating with the right hand is usually considered the only normal way. However, it may happen that during the development of the brain, logical-analytical functions are concentrated in the right hemisphere, and concrete-figurative ones - in the left. In this case, the right hemisphere becomes dominant and, therefore, the left hand is dominant.

Both developmental patterns are normal, but left-handed people face problems in everyday life. Almost all instruments and most tools are designed for right-handed people, so left-handed people are forced to adapt to an environment that is not suitable for them. For example, when a left-handed person uses scissors on a right-handed person, she is forced to use an awkward object that can cause discomfort and even pain.

Retraining left-handed children is advisable to avoid these problems. However, this should be done without shouting or rudeness, so as not to cause nervousness in the child and not to traumatize his psyche. Most left-handed people, as a result of retraining, use their right hand during activities.

However, there is another side to the coin. Some studies have shown that left-handed people have unique abilities, such as creative problem solving. Left-handed people tend to be more inclined toward music, art, sports, and scientific research. Some famous figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso and Michael Angelo were left-handed, and their names became symbols of genius and creativity.

In addition, some people may develop latent left-handedness. For example, when performing work that requires long hours of hand strain, left-handed surgeons, watchmakers, artists, and other professionals may prefer to use their left hand even though they write and eat with their right hand. Left-handedness can be forced, for example, due to disease of the joints, muscles, or nerves of the right hand. In this case, relearning also occurs, but only the other way around, and in adults it does not go smoothly, and they do not always achieve perfection in using their left hand.

In conclusion, left-handedness is an unusual phenomenon that causes certain difficulties in the life of left-handed people. However, left-handers have unique abilities and creativity that can be expressed in scientific research, the arts and sports. Proper retraining of left-handed children can help them adapt to an environment that is not always suitable for them. But it is important to remember that left-handed people have the right to their individuality and unique abilities, which must be respected and developed.