Quote:
Originally Posted by Billi
Which brings me to another question. As this thread started with some statistics: does anyone know the percentage of left-handers in cultures that use right-to-left languages like in the Arab world? Is it higher than in the rest of the world?
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Definitely higher in Middle East countries... but only because they have a nasty habit of cutting off right hands for thieves...
Scientists seem to agree that the world average is 10%-15% lefties, with no real regional variation. However, due to cultural requirements, many lefties in different countries have learned to 'use' their right hands publicly for eating, writing, sports, etc. Add to that the 'stigma' associated with left-handedness, even in language; 'out in left field,' 'gauche,' ' two left feet,' 'sinister,' and/or the toilet requirements, often people in Middle Eastern and Third World countries will simply not 'admit' to being left handed.
Stitchawl