18:25 Nov 13, 2009 

if you're in that situation, Per. I agree it may look odd under such circumstances. We usually use the adjective "right-handed" or "left-handed" in normal cases, meaning "my preferred hand is the left/right one". I had an aunt who had her right arm amputated, and had to start learning to use her left one to perform basic functions. However, she continued to say she was "right-handed" as that was her natural, innate tendency. I don't think, then, that it should matter whether you have lost the limb; you can still say you are "naturally" (or perhaps "originally") right/left-handed, meaning the "originally preferred hand" was left or right. What do you think?

18:09 Nov 13, 2009 

.. it might be noted that after an accident where you lose the use of your 'preferred' hand, it kind of ceases to lose its relevance as preferred. Your other hand then steps up to assume the position as your primary hand. Preferred would in this case be ridiculous, as it would mean the hand you wish you still could use.