Linguistic-verbal intelligence is one of the 8 types of intelligence outlined by Gardner in his book “Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences”. The multiple intelligence theory describes several different intelligences and claims that an individual may be stonger or weaker in specific area/s, not necessarily all or just one of them. For example, a person can be strong in verbal, interpersonal, and musical intelligence.
Here is a quick overview of Gardner’s intelligences:
Linguistic-verbal intelligence – the ability to use words well, both written and spoken
Logical-mathematical intelligence – the ability to recognize patterns, reason and logically analyze problems.
Visual-spatial intelligence – the ability to visualize things accurately
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence – the ability to process information through body movement, expression and control
Musical intelligence – the ability to think and appreciate musical patterns, rhythms, and sounds.
Interpersonal intelligence – the ability to understand, relate and interact with others
Intrapersonal intelligence – the ability to understand and appreciate our own feelings and emotions
Naturalist intelligence – the ability to find patterns and connections to nature
All these intelligences play an important role in the development of an individual, but linguistic-verbal intelligence plays an important role in the development of other intelligences.
Characteristics of linguistic intelligence
Individuals with developed linguistic intelligence usually enjoy writing and are expressive when they note down what’s on their mind. They pay attention to detail, easily understand grammar and have a rich vocabulary. Furthermore, they are constantly searching for knowledge and new reading materials which they thoroughly enjoy.
Most individuals with a high level of linguistic intelligence enjoy word games such as Scrabble or crosswords and like playing with words and creating rhymes. They also tend to have good memory and easily remember trivia facts and quotes.
Seeing as they’re always searching for new knowledge, they like to learn new languages and are quite good at it. Also, they are usually very good speakers and have the ability to explain, analyze and interpret things without difficulties.
Benefits of linguistic intelligence
The main benefit associated with linguistic intelligence is the ability to communicate with ease. Communication is the key when it comes to connecting with other people in your surroundings.
Linguistic-verbal intelligence promotes linguistic learning as a valuable tool because it helps you learn new things – when learning a new language, you need to learn the phonetics of the language, syntax and semantics. Since there is always something new to learn, language learning keeps your brain busy and healthy. Learning a language strengthens your communication skills which are beneficial when it comes to developing social and public speaking skills.
When you read a lot you inevitably enrich your vocabulary and strengthen your ability to explain or convey messages. When it comes to reading in or learning foreign languages, they give you the ability to spot similarities and differences in word use, thus sharpening your analytical skills. These are helpful in many professions – such as law, HR, education, etc.
Activities to improve linguistic intelligence
As previously mentioned, reading books, newspapers and magazines or listening to stories supports the development of linguistic skills. Alongside with reading, writing activities can be a useful tool in the development of cognitive skills – writing stories, diary entries or poems are just some of the examples. Furthermore, discussing and debating on various topics expands your knowledge while improving your vocabulary and listening skills.
In addition, games like Scrabble, word search, jumbled words or crosswords can facilitate learning, keep you entertained and develop your linguistic intelligence in the process.
When it comes to public speaking, it can boost your confidence and enhance your interpersonal skills. You should take up public speaking whenever you have a chance to. Remember, it might be difficult at first, but public speaking provides you with an excellent opportunity to strengthen your personal development on many levels, since upgrading your communication skills is beneficial for almost every area of life.
Bottom line, linguistic intelligence creates a platform which can help develop other types of intelligence. We need linguistic intelligence to improve our cognitive skills, which can help in arranging our thoughts and organizing our minds, as well as sharpen your analytical skills.
[1] Cherry, Kendra. “Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 17 July 2019, www.verywellmind.com/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences-2795161.
[2] “Linguistic Intelligence And Its Benefits.” Mind Movies Blog, www.mindmovies.com/blogroll/linguistic-intelligence-and-its-benefits.
[3] “Linguistic Intelligence.” Greycaps, 30 Oct. 2018, greycaps.com/theteacher/Community/Linguistic-Intelligence.