Culture and politics forum

ok to be a lefty?

  • sic8vita8est

    Not politically, I assume that's ok :)

    Every book I read says its impolite/disgusting to eat with your left hand in Asia. The problem is, I'm left-handed and its not real easy to re-learn how to use chopsticks with my other hand.

    I still have a few months before I head to SEA. Is anybody really going to care if I use my left hand??

    #1 Posted: 8/6/2010 - 12:26


  • wanderingcat

    Every book I read says its impolite/disgusting to eat with your left hand in Asia

    Asia is really huge & diverse. this thing about not using the left hand for food applies only to certain ethnic groups, & usually only in situations where food (esp rice) is eaten using bare hands - rationale = hygiene (right hand for food, left hand for cleaning butt in loo). people from these ethnic groups will use their left hand when they're eating with utensils - fork/chopsticks in one hand, spoon in the other.

    #2 Posted: 8/6/2010 - 22:46

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    Laos transport timetables

  • sic8vita8est

    Thanks, WC. I suppose the area "Asia" was a bit overbroad. Now I can start worrying about more important aspects of my trip. . .

    #3 Posted: 9/6/2010 - 12:24

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