There are two basic kinds of learners: Verbal and Nonverbal. Intelligence does not play a role in this distinction — it is simply a difference in learning and thinking styles. In general, humans think with both verbal and nonverbal conceptualization, but as individuals we tend to specialize, or have a natural inclination for one mode of thinking rather than the other.

Verbal learners think mainly in words, and with the sounds of words, with a sort of internal dialogue. Verbal thought is linear and follows the structure of language. Thinking verbally consists of composing mental sentences, one word at a time, at about the same speed as speech.

Nonverbal learners think mainly in pictures, or images. They think with 3-dimensional, multi-sensory images that evolve and grow as the thought process adds more ideas or information. There may be very little, if any, internal dialogue. This thought process occurs much faster than verbal (word) thinking, and is usually subliminal.

The Dyslexia Dilemma

Dyslexics are primarily picture thinkers, especially at the time they are learning to read. Words that enable a picture-thinking person to imagine a picture have meaning and are clearly understood, like cat and elephant. However, they are unconsciously challenged when faced with certain words like: the, was, if, and, were, in, on, as, or, that...and at least 209 others just like them (commonly known as “sight words”) that DO NOT have a corresponding picture. It is impossible for a nonverbal thinker to think with words whose meaning cannot be pictured!

These words are at the root of reading (and writing) difficulties for a picture-thinker.

WHY?

With no picture or image to process, the reading material quickly loses meaning — causing confusion, frustration,and fatigue. Ultimately, in trying to resolve the confusion, the dyslexic symptoms begin to appear.

A person may alter the word (was/saw), substitute one word for another (the/a), omit it completely, or add words that are not even there. Reading, therefore, becomes a tedious task, and little if no comprehension is gained.

Consider, for a moment, that up to 60% of any given written paragraph are words that DO NOT produce an image, or picture. Imagine what it must be like for a picture thinker trying to obtain meaning (comprehension) from a paragraph when 60% of the words are words they CANNOT think with or process!

Is it any wonder why so many intelligent people struggle with reading, or simply say they "do not like to read?"