Left Brain Characteristics

Human brain is one of the most complex, yet amazing organs, that controls and coordinates all bodily activities, as a vital part of the nervous system. The human brain is separated into two hemispheres by the longitudinal fissure. One of the unique features of this organ is that, its right hemisphere controls the left side of the body, while the left hemisphere is responsible for controlling the right side of the body. Scientific studies have revealed that though both the sides of the brain look quite similar, they process information differently.

Usually, the right brain is considered as the center for creative and intuitive thinking, while the left brain is concerned with logical and rational thinking. Studies have also pointed out that individuals usually have a preference for one of these specific style of thinking, which is determined which side of the brain, right or left is dominant. The influence of the less dominant side of brain, on the other hand can get overshadowed at times.

Features of Left Brain

Our left brain is the center for reading, writing, speech, language and memory. It is the analytical part of our brain that helps us to think logically and rationally.

• It processes information linearly and sequentially. In other words, it takes each part or piece of information and processes them linearly and sequentially in a systematic manner, in order to solve a problem or come to a conclusion. The ability to process information sequentially or in series, makes the left brained people good list makers and planners.
• The left brain functions logically, i.e. its manner of processing information is logical. This enables the left brained people to make decision based on logic or established facts and detailed analysis of information, rather than emotion and intuition. Such people usually complete tasks methodically in a well planned manner.
• As left brained people rely on established facts and information for decision-making, sometimes, they can become skeptical towards anything new, be it a new idea, innovation or a work schedule.
• It can process symbols, like letters, words and mathematical notations in a better way. As it is the center for memorization, left brained people can have an excellent ability to memorize things.
• It is good at responding to verbal instructions. It is the region for language and has centers for speech and hearing. So, left brained people are usually good at expressing themselves in words, and so, like to talk and write.
• It processes information based on reality, rather than unrealistic imaginations. Basically, this part of the brain deals with the things and situations as they are in reality, and hence, makes decisions or solves problems accordingly.
• When it comes to the environment, left brain tries to adjust to it and not change it, as left brain usually follows the established rules. In the absence of rules, they tend to make their own set of rules to follow.

So, our left brain is the part that enables us to adopt a realistic and logical approach to problem solving, based on established facts and information. The characteristics such as, logical thinking, enables us to solve problem or draw conclusion rationally and analytically, rather than relying on sheer intuition. However, this does not mean that left brain or left brained people are superior to right brain and right brained people. In reality, both these sides of the brain complement each other, and we simply cannot do without one or the other. While it makes us adopt a realistic approach towards a problem, our right brain is the center of creativity and emotions. It is the right brain that makes us think in a different way to develop new ideas or to innovate. So, for the development of a balanced personality, both the sides of brain are equally important. This is the reason why educational curriculum needs to give equal importance to the left and right brained skills and talents, to ensure better coordination between these two parts of the brain.