Linguistic Intelligence: Characteristics, Examples And Activities To Improve It

Linguistic intelligence is one of the eight types of multiple intelligences defined by psychologist Howard Gardner. This ability is what is related to human language.

Linguistic intelligence: definition

The linguistic intelligence It is one that encompasses all the abilities related to language. Therefore, it refers to the human communicative capacity, both written and oral, also known as verbal linguistic intelligence. Likewise, the different domains or levels of the word are included: morphological, syntactic and semantic.

This intelligence involves skills such as understanding the functions of language, language learning, communication of ideas, sensitivity to oral and written language, etc. This type of intelligence is also related to thinking and introspection, since it allows greater reflection about ideas and knowledge. Verbal linguistic intelligence is one of the most studied types of intelligence, since together with logical-mathematical intelligence, they are those that have had the most relevance in the educational system formal and traditional.

Regarding the cerebral location of this ability, it is mainly located in the left hemisphere of the brain. In this hemisphere, two key areas stand out in language: Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area. The first of them is related to the planning and production of language, while the second is associated with its understanding.

The characteristics of verbal linguistic intelligence are the following:

• Ability to capture information and its nuances through oral and written means.
• Communication skills, the effective transmission of ideas, and the persuasion of the recipients. Includes both oral and written skills.
• Fluidity and speed in acquisition of new languages as well as interest in them.
• Management of a extensive vocabulary
• Interest in knowledge about the etymology of words, their meaning, etc.
• Tilt and enjoy the reading and/or writing
• Spelling ability and rapid detection of errors, both of this type and grammatical.
• Ability to listen to other people, since there is a linguistic sensitivity that predisposes us to pay attention to and capture nuances and patterns of language.
• Ease of playing word games and rhymes.
• Ability to adapt language to different contexts and formats.
• Ability to retain verbal and written data and information by heart.

Linguistic intelligence: professions

Professional areas such as politics, journalism, writing and poetry, translation, teaching, social communication, dissemination, advocacy, advertising and acting.

The following people constitute some examples of verbal linguistic intelligence:

• Alejandra Pizarnik: She was a renowned Argentine writer, poet and translator. Among her production and legacy are a large number of poems, some novels, various short writings and an extensive diary. Ella Alexandra mastered the use of language and had a very varied and extensive vocabulary, so she managed to convey the complexity and nuances of her perception of reality and her person.
• Malcolm X: was an African American speaker and activist. He dedicated his fight to defending the rights of black people in the United States. Today he is recognized as one of the most influential African Americans in US history, as well as one of the great orators worldwide. He stood out for being a persuasive person through the use and mastery of oral language, being able to transmit his ideas through words.
• Noam Chomsky: is an American writer, linguist, and activist. He is recognized for his contributions to the area of ​​linguistics and the methodology of studying language and mind, given his ability to reflect on language. Furthermore, he is also known for his activism and expression of ideas and criticism against the current capitalist system.

Other everyday examples of people with a development of this intelligence would be those who are capable of easily learn another language when visiting a country of speech different from that of origin, as well as people who are capable of carrying out improvisations of lyrics or rhymes in an agile and fast manner.

Linguistic and communication skills are of vital importance, since one of the basic needs of human beings is to relate to the world and to oneself. Likewise, the development of this intelligence is linked to other higher mental processes such as memory, reasoning and attention. How to improve linguistic intelligence? How to develop linguistic intelligence? Below we describe a series of tasks or Activities to develop intelligence linguisticsboth oral and written:

• Write a personal diary: Writing about one’s own experiences, experiences and reflections promotes the acquisition of a greater vocabulary and the improvement of expressive capacity through writing. The diary can be done either in prose or by using or including poetry in it.
• Explore other types of text: In addition to writing a personal diary, other writing styles can be cultivated such as narrative by writing stories and short stories or argumentative or opinion text through reflection and expression of ideas and arguments on universal topics. It may also be a good idea to create your own blog.
• Read: Reading different styles of written texts, paying attention to their characteristics and nuances, subsequently reflecting on them, as well as creating a written or oral summary, are exercises that can help develop linguistic intelligence. The information can be acquired through a written book or an audiobook or podcast. Likewise, to facilitate the habit of reading, it is important to choose texts about topics that are interesting to us. a priori</em.
• Learn a new word every day: Another activity to develop linguistic intelligence is to make a personal dictionary in which we write down an unknown word and its meaning every day, which is either explicitly searched in a dictionary or encyclopedia, or words that we do not know, but arise spontaneously in a conversation, in a book, etc.
• Talk and debate: Talking about topics that are of interest with people in different areas (social, academic, professional), and expressing and defending one’s own point of view stimulates oral language skills, as well as the ability to synthesize and mentally organize ideas.
• To learn a new language: Studying another language also helps in the development of linguistic intelligence. In addition to your theoretical study, it is advisable to go to language exchanges that allow you to learn this new language through spoken practice and conversation. It can also be an opportunity to carry out a linguistic exchange in another country.
• Play with words: It is another of the activities to work on linguistic intelligence. Currently there are many hobbies related to language, such as crossword puzzles and word searches. On the other hand, there are a large number of board games that allow you to practice this skill in an enjoyable way and with other people.
• Memorize: Try to learn fragments, poems and song lyrics by heart, this exercises both your memory and your linguistic ability.
• Find a book club: These groups encourage the analysis of the readings, the debate about them and the creation of a social space in which to share impressions and ideas about various texts and books. Something that can help improve linguistic intelligence.
• Observe yourself when speaking: Another technique to develop linguistic intelligence is to record yourself speaking, as it can be helpful in identifying your strengths and improving your oratorical and rhetorical skills. It may also help to know the following public speaking techniques.
• Hear: How to stimulate linguistic intelligence? Through listening and paying attention to the speeches you can capture nuances in the style and tone of language, as well as learn new vocabulary.

With this multiple intelligences test you will be able to know if your verbal linguistic intelligence stands out. With the result, you will be able to know which of the 8 intelligences predominate in you:

• Linguistic Intelligence
• Logical Intelligence – Mathematics
• Visual-Spatial Intelligence
• Kinesthetic or Body-Kinetic Intelligence
• Musical intelligence
• Interpersonal intelligence
• Intrapersonal intelligence
• Naturalistic Intelligence

Linguistic intelligence is a versatile cognitive capacity that encompasses proficiency in language comprehension, expression, and manipulation. Individuals with strong linguistic intelligence excel in verbal reasoning, written expression, and oral communication, making valuable contributions to academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and interpersonal relationships. By recognizing the importance of linguistic intelligence and fostering its development through education, enrichment, and cultural exchange, society can cultivate a more literate, articulate, and interconnected global community.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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