The Chinese language, with its complex characters and hard-to-pronounce tones, can be difficult to learn, which is why you need to ensure that you are studying it in the most efficient way possible. To understand the most efficient way for you personally to learn, you must understand the theory of multiple intelligences, as presented by Howard Gardner of Harvard University. This article will give a brief summary of the seven distinct learning intelligences outlined by Mr. Gardner. Using this information, you can then develop a self-study strategy that will greatly increase the speed and quality of your Chinese language learning.

Before we begin our look into the seven different learning intelligences, a word about the theory and its applications. The theory emerged out of contemporary cognitive research, research that studied how humans get to know the world, how we solve problems, and how we come to understand our own actions and the actions of those around us. Specifically, the research showed that people learn, primarily, in seven distinct ways, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, and logical-mathematical. When using the theory to design your Chinese language learning strategy, it is important to note that every person, including you, uses every intelligence, to some degree. The difference lies in the degrees of strength one has in each learning intelligence. Find out which way you naturally learn, and you will empower yourself to design a learning strategy that greatly improves your learning ability.

Visual-Spatial

Do you often relate concepts to physical space, as an architect would? If so, you may be a strong visual-spatial learner. If this is the case, you probably enjoy doing things like jigsaw puzzles, and you will be one of those people who are good at reading maps and "feeling" your way around a geographical area.

Bodily-Kinesthetic

Are you good at, and more comfortable than others, using your body? For example, do you enjoy dancing or working on projects, such as woodworking, that require the use of your hands. Do you learn best by touching and doing than by reading or memorizing concepts? If so, you most likely have a strong ability to learn using bodily-kinesthetic strategies.

Musical

Are you one of those people who is constantly tapping out tunes? Do you view abstract concepts in musical terms? If so, you show sensitivity to rhythm and sound, and you can improve your learning experiences by relating concepts and terms to musical structures.

Interpersonal

Do you thrive in environments that call for heavy interaction with others? If so, you probably also have many friends, empathy for others, and good street smarts. You are an interpersonal learner, and, clearly, you are not going to learn well by spending all of your time sitting in a quiet space reading a book. You learn through interaction, and that is how you should spend your time learning.

Intrapersonal

In contrast to an Interpersonal learner, Intrapersonal learners tend to shy away from others. These people are very much in tune with their inner feelings. They have a strong will and the wisdom, motivation, and intuition to make things happen. They are the most independent of learners, and they do well spending quiet time alone with books and other learning materials.

Linguistic

Some people have natural auditory gifts. They tend to talk a lot, and they use words very well. They also think in words, as opposed to thinking in more abstract terms. If you enjoy playing word games or writing stories, you have strong linguistic tendencies, and you should use those skills when developing your language learning strategy.

Logical-mathematical

People in this category drift towards learning methods that involve reasoning and calculating. They are good at seeing patterns and relationships, and they enjoy experimenting and solving puzzles. It is important for them to define things in terms of concepts before they attempt to work with detailed information.

Summary

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, as described by Howard Gardner, is a powerful tool to use when developing a Chinese language learning strategy, and you should not attempt to design a learning strategy without comprehending it. In addition, you need to complete a self-examination to determine which intelligences you are naturally comfortable with.

Come to the Live in Asia Blog and learn the Chinese language for FREE using the Theory of Multiple Intelligences The Chinese language, with its complex characters and hard-to-pronounce tones, can be difficult to learn, which is why you need to ensure that you are studying it in the most efficient way possible. To understand the most efficient way for you personally to learn, you must understand the theory of multiple intelligences, as presented by Howard Gardner of Harvard University. This article will give a brief summary of the seven distinct learning intelligences outlined by Mr. Gardner. Using this information, you can then develop a self-study strategy that will greatly increase the speed and quality of your Chinese language learning.

Before we begin our look into the seven different learning intelligences, a word about the theory and its applications. The theory emerged out of contemporary cognitive research, research that studied how humans get to know the world, how we solve problems, and how we come to understand our own actions and the actions of those around us. Specifically, the research showed that people learn, primarily, in seven distinct ways, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, and logical-mathematical. When using the theory to design your Chinese language learning strategy, it is important to note that every person, including you, uses every intelligence, to some degree. The difference lies in the degrees of strength one has in each learning intelligence. Find out which way you naturally learn, and you will empower yourself to design a learning strategy that greatly improves your learning ability.

Visual-Spatial

Do you often relate concepts to physical space, as an architect would? If so, you may be a strong visual-spatial learner. If this is the case, you probably enjoy doing things like jigsaw puzzles, and you will be one of those people who are good at reading maps and "feeling" your way around a geographical area.

Bodily-Kinesthetic

Are you good at, and more comfortable than others, using your body? For example, do you enjoy dancing or working on projects, such as woodworking, that require the use of your hands. Do you learn best by touching and doing than by reading or memorizing concepts? If so, you most likely have a strong ability to learn using bodily-kinesthetic strategies.

Musical

Are you one of those people who is constantly tapping out tunes? Do you view abstract concepts in musical terms? If so, you show sensitivity to rhythm and sound, and you can improve your learning experiences by relating concepts and terms to musical structures.

Interpersonal

Do you thrive in environments that call for heavy interaction with others? If so, you probably also have many friends, empathy for others, and good street smarts. You are an interpersonal learner, and, clearly, you are not going to learn well by spending all of your time sitting in a quiet space reading a book. You learn through interaction, and that is how you should spend your time learning.

Intrapersonal

In contrast to an Interpersonal learner, Intrapersonal learners tend to shy away from others. These people are very much in tune with their inner feelings. They have a strong will and the wisdom, motivation, and intuition to make things happen. They are the most independent of learners, and they do well spending quiet time alone with books and other learning materials.

Linguistic

Some people have natural auditory gifts. They tend to talk a lot, and they use words very well. They also think in words, as opposed to thinking in more abstract terms. If you enjoy playing word games or writing stories, you have strong linguistic tendencies, and you should use those skills when developing your language learning strategy.

Logical-mathematical

People in this category drift towards learning methods that involve reasoning and calculating. They are good at seeing patterns and relationships, and they enjoy experimenting and solving puzzles. It is important for them to define things in terms of concepts before they attempt to work with detailed information.

Summary

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, as described by Howard Gardner, is a powerful tool to use when developing a Chinese language learning strategy, and you should not attempt to design a learning strategy without comprehending it. In addition, you need to complete a self-examination to determine which intelligences you are naturally comfortable with.

Come to the Live in Asia Blog http://www.liveinasiablog.com/learn-chinese-language-feelings/ and learn the Chinese language for FREE using the Theory of Multiple Intelligences.