Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence: Take the Verbal IQ Test Now!

What Is Verbal Intelligence?

Verbal intelligence is a person’s ability to understand and reason using concepts framed in words. It is also defined as a person’s ability to use words and their combinations effectively when it comes to analyzing information, communication and problem solving. In broader terms, it is linked to problem solving, abstract reasoning, and working memory.

Linguistic intelligence is one of Howard Gardner's eight multiple intelligences. It implies the ability to understand and use spoken and written language. This can include expressing oneself effectively through speech or the written word and the ability to learn foreign languages. It is defined by Howard Gardner himself as sensitivity to the meaning and order of words, sounds, rhythms, inflections, phonology, syntax, pragmatic and different functions of language.

All people benefit from linguistic verbal intelligence. From a simple letter to writing a novel to speaking to one another, we all use our verbal-linguistic intelligence in many language-related activities.

Howard Gardner, a renowned Harvard University professor, includes verbal intelligence in his theory of multiple intelligences. Although all people have verbal-linguistic intelligence, some have higher intelligence potential.

The unforgettable names of world literature such as William Shakespeare, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Edgar Allan Poe are excellent examples of people with high linguistic verbal intelligence.

What Is Verbal IQ?

Verbal IQ test is a selected subtest from the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, designed to provide a measure of an individual's overall verbal skills.

What does it mean to have a high verbal IQ?

High verbal IQ implies lexical knowledge, verbal memory, the ability to understand and manipulate syntax and the capacity to utilize symbolic language.

What does it mean to have a low verbal IQ?

Poor verbal comprehension often refers to a low verbal IQ. These children generally can share their thoughts verbally but are challenged in written expression because of their lack of lexical knowledge and syntax manipulation skills. As children get older, it may manifest itself as hardship in: understanding what other kids say, following a fluid conversation by making comments, sharing their emotions, and drawing meaningful conclusions.

Take Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence Test Now!

Would you like to do a simple verbal intelligence test for your child or yourself? Check out our free Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence tests:

10 Activities to Improve Verbal Ability

We are all born with a certain level of verbal-linguistic intelligence potential. Our environment and resources determine how far we can benefit from this potential.

Everyone can improve their language intelligence through regular exercises and can maximise their potential.

Here are some other tips for your child to improve their linguistic verbal intelligence:

01. Benefit from MentalUP

Puzzles, word and letter games are a fun way to develop a child’s verbal intelligence. Developing verbal intelligence with MentalUP's fun exercises for children is both educational and entertaining.

02. Increase reading activities

Stories, poems, plays, and news... Encourage your child to read wide-ranging texts in as many genres as possible.

03. Encourage your child to socially interact

Taking part in debates and discussions helps to develop verbal intelligence. Debating and discussion are one of the most effective ways to understand people and respond to them verbally.

04. Stimulate your child’s imagination

Encourage your child to actively connect with the power of creative thinking, and even prompt them to develop their own creative work.

05. Motivate your child to keep a journal

Keeping a journal is a great idea when it comes to keeping track of new information and practicing newly acquired verbal expressions.

06. Encourage them to write letters to a penpal

Although it is rare to write letters these days, it is a great way to improve your child’s composition skills. In the age of technology, sending letters via email or even social media such as Whatsapp can be an alternative way of sending a letter. Many famous writers from the past are known to have been prolific letter writers.

07. Teach your child a new language

Learning a new language helps children to consolidate the knowledge of their own language, strengthen their linguistic intelligence, and improve their memory.

08. Use a new word a day practice

You can use a new word a day practice with your children to build up a stronger vocabulary and boost their verbal ability.

09. Ask your child to use what they learn

One of the best ways to improve verbal ability is by using the words, phrases and expressions they learn in a new word a day practice. Encourage your children to incorporate them into a discussion with someone else or their writing practices. The more they use the new words, the easier they are to remember.

10. Have conversations with your child

Another effective way of improving your children’s linguistic intelligence is through conversation. Use every opportunity to talk about a variety of subjects with them and learn about their ideas and opinions.

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” — Ludwig Wittgenstein

Why Is Verbal Intelligence Important?

Did you know that language has been used by humankind for approximately 5,200 years?

Verbal-linguistic intelligence can shape a person's entire social life and is crucial for academic success:

• In order to be successful in some courses like literature, children must have above average linguistic verbal intelligence potential.
• Throughout history, leaders of our world have all benefited from their high verbal intelligence.
• In the age of Industry 4.0, many jobs are automated with machines. This means verbal intelligence, which machines will never have, will become a key point of difference in the future.
• Individuals with high verbal intelligence can establish healthier relationships and become more solution-oriented.

Characteristics of People With High Verbal Intelligence Potential

People with the potential for linguistic intelligence enjoy all types of wordplay. It gives them a pleasure to read and write about any topic, and they like to learn new languages.

Seemingly boring and confusing sentence structures can become a great source of entertainment for these people. Complex sentences and word structures give them pleasure. They can learn new words and language rules in a short amount of time and use them effectively.

Here are some other characteristics of linguistic people:

• Love to read and write
• Strong editing skills
• Enjoy learning cool, meaningful and rare words
• Talk about what they read
• Remember excerpts from books
• Love punctuation and rhythm in texts
• Enjoy dealing with foreign languages, as well as their mother tongue

Verbal Linguistic Intelligence Careers

As Albert Einstein said, "In fact, everyone is a genius!". His point was not to judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree but by its ability to swim.

In the world of Education 4.0 great career opportunities await people with high potential for linguistic verbal intelligence.

The most popular professions for verbally intelligent individuals are:

• Copywriter
• Editor
• Critic
• Journalist
• Teacher
• Publisher
• TV or Radio Presenter
• Speech Therapist
• Public Speaker
• Interpreter

We anticipate that we will add more new world professions to this list for years to come. Remember that by developing your verbal intelligence, you can become an exciting part of this wonderful future.