[sw-l] left-handed or right-handed?

[Sandy Fleming]

Stephen wrote:

> As a programmer, I prefer right-handed signs in the dictionary.  If I know
> what to expect, I can generate a left-handed dictionary automatically.  I
> can either flip the image, or manipulate the SWML.  If something is
> consistent and predictable, it is easier for programmers to use.

Unfortunately it's not consistent and prodictable and you can't generate a
left handed dictionary automatically except for signs with no "handedness"
location information.

Imagine amking a sign "turn off to the left" (say, on coming to a fork in a
road in a car). The attached gif shows this sign, which is identical both
right-handed and left handed in the SW (though not in real life!) - it's
_not_ just a mirror image, even though an awful lot of left-hander signs
would be just mirror images of the right-hander signs. If the hand had been
asymetrical (say, if the thumb was sticking out or held in), the left-handed
version would be neither a mirror image nor identical.

I've noticed the other responses with interest, but none of the teachers say
that they're teaching children. What I'm asking is that when all concepts,
language and writing system are new, and the pupil doesn't have a wide
experience of life situations, will a purely right-handed dictionary cause
problems?

Sandy
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