Linguistic Intelligence
Linguistic intelligence consists of sensitivity to both spoken and written language. More specifically, Gardner (1993) explains that it involves sensitivity to the meaning of words, to the order among words, to the sounds, rhythms, inflections, and meters of words, and sensitivity to the different functions of language such as its ability to convince, stimulate, or convey information to accomplish specific goals (p. 77).
We use linguistic intelligence every day to convince others of a particular course action, or to convey information, to implement rules, to provide directions, instructions, and procedures. We use it in explanation and teaching, and for expression through literature and the written word.
Poets, lawyers, politicians, and speakers are examples of those who have high linguistic intelligence. Poets have a keen sensitivity to the subtle meanings of words. This includes semantics, phonology (the sounds of words and their musical interaction with one another), and syntax (the rules governing the order of words and their inflections). Lawyers, politicians, and speakers have a keen sensitivity to the rhetorical aspect of language and its ability to convince others of a particular course of action.
Gardner (1993) does not term linguistic intelligence as an auditory-oral form of intelligence because deaf individuals can devise or master gestural systems, and because of the ability people have to discern meaning and importance in sets of pitches rhythmically arranged as a means of communicating with others (musical abilities) (p. 98).
Music and language may have shared a common medium. Gardner (1993) suggests that over many thousands of years, they each have evolved into different purposes, and therefore, Gardner categorizes musical intelligence as one of the seven autonomous intellectual competencies.
Musical Intelligence
Musical intelligence requires skill in the composition, performance, and appreciation of musical patterns. We...