Definition of

Linguistic intelligence

Writer

Linguistic intelligence is associated with good use of words.

Linguistic intelligence is the ability to use words effectively , whether speaking or writing. This is a key skill in communication and language learning, for example.

Linguistic intelligence can be linked to the ease of mastering grammar , semantics , syntax , spelling and other issues related to the use of the language. It can also be related to skills for language acquisition, discourse analysis , multilingualism and text interpretation.

What is linguistic intelligence

Linguistic intelligence is essentially a type of intelligence . To understand the concept, therefore, we must analyze what is meant by intelligence.

Talent, competence or willingness to understand or achieve problem resolution is called intelligence . Those who are intelligent, therefore, have certain intellectual tools that favor them.

Linguistics , meanwhile, is the scientific discipline that focuses on language. The idea of ​​language , in turn, refers to the power of expression and communication that people have using a system of signs.

It can be said that the notion of linguistic intelligence refers to expertise in the use of words. The concept was proposed by the American psychologist Howard Gardner in his theory of multiple intelligences , which he postulated in 1983 .

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Reading helps develop linguistic intelligence.

Gardner's theory

Gardner 's theory of multiple intelligences is a model for understanding the human mind. According to this researcher, there is not a single intelligence, but rather there is a network of intelligences that have autonomy but are interrelated.

To develop a particular kind of intelligence, biological, cultural, social and other factors come into play. Gardner states that the potential to process information is activated depending on the frame.

In short, as there are multiple kinds of problems that human beings must solve, there are also multiple kinds of intelligence. Gardner points out that, by knowing and developing the different intelligences, an individual acquires the potential and flexibility to function effectively in different social settings.

Gardner and his collaborators at Harvard University managed to detect twelve types of intelligence. Linguistic intelligence is one of them, which is added to others such as interpersonal intelligence , intrapersonal intelligence , emotional intelligence and musical intelligence .

Development of linguistic intelligence

The development of linguistic intelligence favors thinking, contributes to understanding and encourages creativity, according to Gardner 's vision. There are various resources and practices that can be used to fully deploy it.

Reading and writing are two activities that help enhance linguistic intelligence. Reading books and writing a personal diary, in this framework, are favorable actions. It is also recommended to participate in debates and read aloud.

With the expansion of linguistic intelligence, the ability to understand the meaning of words and, therefore, to use them appropriately and according to personal objectives is optimized. Therefore, linguistic intelligence is very important in lawyers , political leaders , religious leaders and writers .

Right

A lawyer needs to have advanced linguistic intelligence.

language learning

Language learning is simpler when linguistic intelligence reaches an advanced degree of development. Mastering your native language perfectly provides the perfect foundation for studying a second language and embracing bilingualism .

These skills are vital in the acquisition and understanding of written language and oral language . It also helps in the study of dead languages ​​and even sign language instruction.

Just as language learning is facilitated, translation capacity is also reinforced. In other words: a good translator needs to have high linguistic intelligence.

Linguistic intelligence and literature

Linguistic intelligence and literature maintain a close link. After all, literature is an art that is based on verbal expression (that which uses words).

To both create narrative and poetry , an author must have sufficient linguistic intelligence to work with words. A writer has to be able to use metaphor , metonymy , synecdoche , alliteration , ellipsis and other figures to convey emotions and sensations in his texts.

Suppose a playwright is writing a new play. Thanks to his linguistic intelligence, he can present events organized in different acts, where he presents the events using sarcasm , irony and other rhetorical instruments.

A writer, on the other hand, can exploit his or her linguistic intelligence to craft an essay . In this case, the wise use of words will allow you to communicate your ideas accurately.

With a reduced degree of this intelligence, however, these tasks are impossible to carry out. There is no playwright or essayist who can fulfill their role if they do not know how to handle words with a certain level of skill.