Is Ambidexterity A Good Or Bad Thing? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Is Ambidexterity A Good Or Bad Thing?

Is teaching yourself to be ambidextrous a bad thing?

6597
Is Ambidexterity A Good Or Bad Thing?
April Seven Bllog

Recently, I have been training myself to write and do other simple things with my left hand. This spurred me to do some research into whether this was actually going to be a helpful thing to do for myself. Here is what I learned…

As we all know, people were left handed back in the middle ages and up till about the mid 20th century. The 20th century is when people started to think about trying to become ambidextrous. A man named John Jackson actually established the Ambidextral Culture Society. He thought that if everyone learned to use both sides of their brain equally it would improve society. But even still until the late 20th century, some countries made it mandatory for everyone to write with their right hand. And even now throughout the world, lefties are encouraged to switch.

Physiologically right-handed people's brains have larger left hemispheres, while naturally ambidextrous/left handed people’s brain hemispheres are almost identical. From a very early age, people’s dominant hand is apparent, and no surprise a majority of people are right-handed. So it seems that evolutionarily having a dominant side of the brain serves a function. The right side of the brain is responsible for language processing, and the left usually handles nonverbal activities. These hemispheres are not interchangeable.

Psychologically, people who are born ambidextrous are more likely to have development problems like reading disabilities and stuttering. Studies have shown that ambidextrous children are more prone to academic difficulties than either naturally left or right handed people. Those children are also at greater risk for ADHD and as adults have worse skills in math, memory retrieval, and logical thinking.

Now for those like me who are not naturally ambidextrous. According to Michael Corballis, a professor at the University of Auckland New Zealand, training yourself to be ambidextrous might interfere with the natural set up of our brain. He says that it is better to have a cooperative brain than one that is competing. But as an adult, it is unlikely that I would develop ADHD. And being truly ambidextrous is not a thing that a person can accomplish 100% when they are naturally one side dominant.

Stroke patients and amputees have taught themselves to write with their non-dominant hand, but many say that although they can do it, they have to put a lot of thought and effort into it. Maureen Lawson, a somewhat rehabilitated stroke victim who taught herself to write with her non-dominant hand, said that if she needs to write something quick she uses her dominant hand because she doesn’t have to think about it.

So for my goal to learn how to write and do simple things with my left hand, I am slightly more cautious of forcing it. I will take it slow and be careful to not mix up my brain signals, hopefully.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

548
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

26626
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11120
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments