Visual/Spatial Intelligence
The verbal/linguistic skills of a student in
a given language are enhanced by processing the same information through a variety
of modes of apprehension. For example, writing out a text into equivalent lines
of a prosodic or syntactic nature reinforces one’s sense of the way a language
flows orally.
It is not that difficult to learn to parse a
biblical text according to the prosody of the masoretic accents. Anyone who has
learned to do so knows that one’s grasp of the language is greatly improved in the
bargain.
It is also helpful to learn to analyze a text
in terms of syntactic frames and information structure. Sad to say, a standard
vocabulary and appropriate exercises for beginning, intermediate, and advanced
students in this sense does not exist. Or perhaps they do and I am unaware of
them.
Visual/spatial intelligence involves thinking
in images and pictures, even colors. If syntactic, discourse, and prosodic
analysis is expressed visually, one’s ability to assimilate it is greatly
enhanced.
Musical Intelligence
Musical intelligence involves learning
through rhythm and melody. Many of us learn more easily if what we learn is sung,
tapped out, or whistled.
The better ancient Hebrew grammars available today
exploit this mode of apprehension in the learning of the language.
Logical/Mathematical Intelligence
Logical/mathematical intelligence involves reasoning
things out logically and clearly, and looking for abstract patterns and
relationships. Things like brain teasers, puzzles, and strategy games help
activate this intelligence
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence involves using
one's whole body to express ideas and feelings. Things like miming, role
playing, and other forms of animation activate this intelligence.
Interpersonal Intelligence
Interpersonal intelligence involves the
ability to perceive and make distinctions in the moods, intentions,
motivations, and feelings of other people. Things like group presentations (for
example, staged dialogues), discussion of social issues, and games which require
two or more players activate this intelligence.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
Students with a high degree of solitary or intrapersonal
intelligence are self-motivating. They thrive in their own quiet space, and
march to the beat of a different drummer. They learn more easily with
independent study, self-paced instruction, and individualized projects and
games. Things like brainstorming and problem solving exercises – to which I was
seldom introduced as a student: I invented and continue to invent my own - activate
this intelligence. Examples: name all the parts of the body in ancient Hebrew
from head-to-foot. Arrange the prepositions into a spatial diagram. List and
categorize the most important particles or “function” words. The possibilities
are endless.
In the next and final post of this series, I lay down the two most basic rules of thumb to follow in learning ancient Hebrew or any other language.
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