Re: boustrophedon (was: Atlantis II)

En réponse à claudio <claudio.soboll@...>:

> hi tristan.
> there is an archeological theory about why most people
> are right-handed and not left-handed or equally skilled on both hands.
> since our heart is a very elemental and sensible part of our body,
> we like to protect it , especially in fighting-situations,
> so the first humans did intuitively e.g. carry the spear
> on the "safer-and-less-sensible-side".
That's why some cultures consider (contrary to most Western and mid-Eastern
cultures) that the right is evil and the left good, because the right brings
death (through the spear) while the left protects it (with the shield). IMHO
even if you shouldn't associate one side or another to good or evil, this
explanation is much more sensible than any explanation for why left is evil and
right is good :)) .

> this intuition is still activated in our minds, when we e.g.
> prefer to face a dangerous situation with our right-front,
> even when we carry no spear, no weapon, even when physical action
> is not possible.
> also we cant say that our right-leg is more skilled or muscled than our
> left one.
> but when we walk we usually make the first step with our right leg.
> there may be no danger, there may be no advantage with this, its just
> burned in our behaviour, its a programmed attribute..
I am definitely programmed with the left. I always begin walking with a left
pace.

> another interesting thing is the differences between our right and
> left brain-hemisphere. on the left side we think more rational,
> communicative, and logical. and on the right side we think more,
> creative, sentimental, spatial, imaginative. (so the theory goes)
The theory still holds, but recent works (especially on language) show that
usually both hemispheres work together, even on a "purely" rational or
imaginative job.

> also our left body side is cross-linked with our right
> brain-hemisphere and vice versa.
> the theory goes farther:
> when you stimulate e.g. your left hand or feet you simultaneuosly
> stimulate your brain for more rational,logical cognition.
>
> so peeling at your nose with the left hand may ignite a heureka-like
> lightning solution in your mind. :-)
>
I suppose you mean your right hand :) .

> btw: how old are you ? in my childhood i couldnt separate the
> directions as well but im sure this will develop with some years
> passing.
>
My mother is 46, and still unable to recognize left from right (she has to look
at her watch). She's also absolutely unable to show the road to someone. When
you ask her the road, follow exactly the contrary of what she says and shows and
you'll end up where you wanted :))) .
On the other hand, I never had any trouble with my left and my right, though I'm
not good at giving directions either :)  (but I can read a map without much
trouble).

Christophe.

http://rainbow.conlang.free.fr

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