Communication has been a very important element for the development of our societies and this is concretized with theproper use of symbols and soundsthrough speech and writing. This particular ability is achieved through the development oflinguistic intelligence.
In this article, we will explainwhat linguistic intelligence consists of, we will talk about its characteristics and we will mention how you can develop it.
What is linguistic intelligence?
To get into context, it is proper to know what language is. According to the dictionary of theRoyal Spanish Academy (RAE), language is the “faculty of the human being to express himself and communicate with othersthrough articulated sound or other sign systems”. This faculty canbe expressed orally or in writing.
Understanding this concept, we can address the term linguistic intelligence, which is one of thetypes of intelligenceproposed by psychologistHoward Gardnerin his “Theory of multiple intelligences”(1), which involves understanding the order andmeaning of wordsin both speech and writing and how to use language correctly. (2)
In this sense, the author of this theory has specified that this intelligencedoes not develop uniformly in all human beings, and this can be explained through other postulates such asCharles Spearman’s Bifactorial Theory.
You should know: Spearman proposes that intelligence is derived from theinteraction of two factorscalledFactor Gand Factor S, one related to genetics and biology and the other to learning.
What skills does linguistic intelligence have?
Individuals characterized by thismental and motor capacity stand out for showing the following skills:
1. Talk and listen
Those people with this developed intelligence can establish oral and written dialogues at any level since they achieve good oral expression and also understand language from different perspectives.
Note: They are mentally capable of Learning to speak and writemultiple languages and are often good social communicators.
Likewise, understanding the importance of words, these people are good listeners , interested in new verbal expressions that can enrich their knowledge.
2. Read and write
Another way to highlight your skills is through reading and writing. In this sense, people with outstanding traits in linguistic intelligence are avid readers , they develop the ability to read quickly without comprehension of what they read and they like to invest a lot of time in this activity, an aspect that directly affects the Knowledge Construction . (3)
Another aspect that makes them stand out is that they have a favorable tendency towards writing, a characteristic that stands out among translators, writers, poets and musicians.
To highlight: Linguistic intelligence FOSTERS Self-Knowledge and interpersonal relationships, thus activating interpersonal and
3. Understand and reflect
This is how these people, who are eager to form new knowledge and concerned with expanding their general culture, manage to establish a reflective relationship with words to try to understand the world from a linguistic perspective.
You should know: They strive to know the meaning of each word, according to the context in which it is expressed and they are interested in knowing the impact it will have on them and society.
How does linguistic intelligence develop?
At the learning level, there are many strategies that are used in the academic field and that can also be practiced within the family, aimed at developing this intelligence. Here we describe some of them:
1. Habit of reading
This is perhaps one of the most important and most used strategies in the process of learning and Cognitive Developmentas a child. Through reading, thebrain becomes accustomed to the knowledge and use of words and thus develops linguistic intelligence.
2. Writing texts
Another strategy for the development of linguistic intelligence is the practice in writing texts , which is a widely used activity at the beginning of school life.
Note: Along with the development of this intelligence, kinesthetic intelligence is developing, since for writing the child has to develop motor skills.
3. Learning new languages
Contact with other cultures that use a different language is a strategy that can arouse interest in the use of new words with different modes of use.
To highlight: Learning new languages contributes to the more efficient use of cognitive abilities and allows the reading of texts in new languages, favoring the development of linguistic intelligence.
4. Activities and games that involve the use of language
Carrying out recreational activities and promoting didactic games that involve the use of both written and verbal words activate linguistic ability.
Therefore, the use of games such as word search, crossword puzzles, games to complete words or associate them, among others, are indicated to promote the development of linguistic intelligence.
5. Debate and discussion of ideas
Conversations between groups, especially those aimed at Creating debates and exchanges of ideas around topics to develop creativity, are suitable for increasing vocabulary and encouraging the use of oral language.
Key Findings
- Linguistic intelligence is the capacity of the individual linked toverbal language and linguistic expression skills.
- Linguistic intelligence involvesunderstanding the order and meaning of wordsin both speech and writing.
- This intelligencedoes not develop equallyin all human beings.
- There are strategies to develop linguistic intelligence such as reading, writing or interacting with other languages.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.