Linguistic intelligence: what is it and what is it for?

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What is linguistic intelligence? Does it only have to do with language or with other functions? What can we use it for? Find all the answers here.

In our daily lives we communicate constantly, whether written, oral or otherwise (for example, through sign language for deaf people). And it is that Language is the vehicle that allows us to interact, learn and express what we feel or think, move around the world… Linguistic intelligence has to do with all this, a type of intelligence that, as its name indicates, is related to the ability to use language effectively.

What else do we know about this type of intelligence? As we will see, it is part of the 8 types of intelligence proposed by psychologist and researcher Howard Gardner in his theory of multiple intelligences. It is an intelligence that is highly studied and valued, especially in the academic field, although all of them are important. If you want to know more about her, keep reading!

“Intelligence and common sense make their way with few artifices.”

-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe-

Linguistic intelligence: what is it?

Linguistic intelligence is part of the theory of multiple intelligences proposed by the psychologist and professor at Harvard University Howard Gardner (Pennsylvania, 1943). In fact, in his theory we find up to 8 different types of intelligence. When we talk about linguistic intelligence, We refer to the ability to express ourselves through language.

Thus, this type of intelligence covers all those abilities related to language, and refers to the communicative capacity that people have, whether at the written or oral level. That is, thanks to it we communicate effectively through words; It would be like a tool to do magic with language and, ultimately, to use it in a useful and beneficial way.

“Only intelligence examines itself.”

-Jaime Balmes-

Functions covered

Linguistic intelligence encompasses, in turn, a series of functions. It includes, for example, language learning, the communication of our ideas, a special sensitivity for languagea type of introspective or reflective thinking, etc.

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It is a skill that allows us to reflect on our own ideas, on the knowledge that we are acquiring and building and on everything related to words.

One of the most studied intelligences

Linguistic intelligence, along with logical-mathematical intelligence, is one of the most studied intelligences and even most valued at an academic level.

In this sense, when intelligence began to be studied, the studies focused above all on linguistic intelligence and in intelligence tests this took on abysmal importance, compared to other types of intelligence.

Multiple intelligences and linguistic intelligence

It was thanks to Gardner that the scientific community and, especially the field of psychology, realized that there were more intelligences apart from this one: visuospatial intelligence, naturalistic intelligence, musical intelligence, spiritual intelligence, emotional intelligence… Thus, they were determining the intelligence of children solely based on the evaluation of linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence, forgetting all the others.

And they realized that Intelligence went far beyond knowing how to read, write or use language correctly., and also included the ability to adapt to the environment, understand others, use one’s own resources to improve and advance, etc. That is, intelligence is a broad (non-unitary) concept and that is why we are not only talking about one type of intelligence.

Where is it located?

As has been done with all types of intelligence, an attempt has been made to decipher which area or areas of the brain were activated with linguistic intelligence. It has been postulated that this It is “located”, above all, in the left hemisphere of the brain (which is the one that is related to language). Thus, in this hemisphere we find two key areas in language:

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Broca’s area (related to the emission of the message, that is, with the motor part, planning and production of language). Wernicke’s area (related to language comprehension).

What is linguistic intelligence for?

We have seen what linguistic intelligence consists of and what functions it is related to. But, What exactly is it for? Some of the characteristics, in terms of their functions, are the following:

It allows us to capture the information and nuances of the messages (orally and written).Allows us to communicatethe transmission of ideas and feelings, persuading others… It helps us acquire new languages and become interested in them.Expand vocabulary and helps us to manage it effectively. It raises interest in knowledge about the etymology of words, their meaning, etc. It makes it easier for us to enjoy reading and writing.Helps us write correctly (at a syntactic and spelling level) and to edit our own texts. It promotes word games and rhymes. It helps us adapt our language to different contexts and formats. It encourages the retention of verbal and written data and information in memory.

Linguistic intelligence helps us communicate

As we have seen, Linguistic intelligence is one of the most valued at an academic level, because it implies a good command of the language and a good ability to use it effectively. However, both in school and in life there will be many intelligences that will help us adapt, advance and develop properly, since this cannot be limited solely to the ability to speak and write well.

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Linguistic intelligence is important because it allows us to communicate and make good use of words; in fact, There are professions in which this becomes even more relevant: politics, journalism, writing. and poetry, teaching, law, social education, etc.

Be that as it may, knowing its functions can help us deepen our knowledge and, by extension, enhance it in any area of our life.