Eight hypotheses of multiple intelligence were developed by Howard Gardner. One of the eight hypotheses we will be covering in today's article is verbal intelligence. We will be discussing what verbal-linguistic intelligence is and how we can develop it during the course of our lives. 

Verbal intelligence is the ability to use language and have linguistic sensitivity. Verbal intelligence or linguistic intelligence gives an individual the ability to learn new things. Being able to verbally express oneself and use the written word to communicate is extremely important in making connections with others.

Have you ever been surprised to see a child talking just like an adult or children that can talk about the book they have just read? Children who manage to impress adults around them with what they ask and say are an example that the child is verbally intelligent! Not everyone is born with the ability to speak and express themselves or the things that are going on around us. Some might face difficulties with expressing and speaking their ideas. However, linguistic skills are constantly evaluated in school where some schools have these “show and tell” lessons to allow children to speak and to be comfortable with expressing their thoughts and ideas. Yet, little do we know about the possibility of its stimulation and so its development. 

The creation of language, including poetry, metaphors, similes, grammar, literature, tongue twisters, and abstract reasoning, is handled by verbal-linguistic intelligence. People with strong verbal intelligence are frequently curious, have great reading habits and are interested in language. These people enjoy using language to express themselves and have an easy time comprehending. They can also pick up new languages quickly. These individuals are frequently prolific poets, writers, or actors. Language is enjoyable, so games that incorporate wordplay are likely to be enjoyed by verbal-linguistic learners. Puns, language-based jokes, and word games like Scrabble and Boggle are frequently appealing to them too.

 

People with characteristics of linguistic intelligence are the people who:

Think in words.

People who have strong verbal-linguistic intelligence use language to communicate their ideas and make use of writing's structure, syntax, and visuals. They turn abstract thoughts into meaningful complete sentences. They use grammatical arrangements to organize their ideas.

Enjoy reading and writing.

People with excellent verbal intelligence are great readers and writers. People with verbal-linguistic intelligence read a lot of books, fragments of stories or tales, comic strips, and any other reading materials. These people will find it easy to express their thoughts with writing as they can write and show what they think, what they observe, and what they feel.

Excellent speakers.

People with verbal intelligence are also capable of being organized and maintaining objectivity. Excellent speakers can choose the right words to carry and deliver a message. With this intelligence, they possess strength of conviction and can lead groups because of their ability to handle words and give commands or orders.

They are excellent interpreters of the language.

Interpreting poems, works and other elements of literature comes easily to people with verbal intelligence. Playing with words and practising riddles, word games, and interpreting texts is an interesting activity for them. Metaphors and figurative language are among the things that persons with advanced verbal-linguistic intelligence can easily interpret.

Like to learn new languages.

People with verbal intelligence enjoy watching and listening to programs in other different languages. People with verbal-linguistic intelligence love being exposed to different ways of expression through language. They like to challenge themselves to pick up new languages.

 

Growing up, even if you are not born with this talent and face difficulties in speaking fluently, you can try to develop your verbal-linguistic intelligence by:

Writing a diary.

Writing a diary can start with writing about personal experiences, facts and stories of daily life events. Try to write as long and as detailed as you can. This will promote the acquisition of vocabulary and the development of expression through language.

Reading story books.

Reading develops understanding and encourages the use of new vocabulary. Through reading, you can develop the capacity for interpretation and imagination. Through reading, you will come across new words and their meanings which helps in expanding your vocabulary. Highlighting the new words or writing them in a notebook will help you to memorize and understand the usage of that particular word too. By looking up words in the dictionary, you not only learn meanings, but you can also work with the arrangement of words.

Joining a book club.

Book clubs encourage discussion, debate, and interpersonal relationships based on reading. It provides an opportunity to converse about one's interests. It is also an opportunity for you to polish your verbal intelligence as you communicate with the club members.

Learning a new language.

Learning a new language fosters the development of verbal-linguistic intelligence and interpersonal intelligence. Through the exchange of words, people can expose themselves to other cultures while travelling. However, it is best to master your native language before proceeding with a new language.

Taking part in debates.

Debates stimulate the organization of ideas and coherent expression. Through debates, it encourages the development of the ability to arrange the right words and to use language orally. thinking skills and also offers motivating contexts for learners to communicate with one another.  

Every type of intelligence can be polished with the right learning approaches. To find out more about your Multiple Intelligence type of learning, check out our product!