Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Words or Pictures?

Okay, so if the proper grammatical plural form of "sister-in-law" is "sisters-in-law" then what's the proper way to write it in the possessive sense? Do you write "sister's-in-law" or would it be "sister-in-law's"? I'm sure I could look this up on the internet but it's much more fun to roll the question around in my head.

This is the conversation that I was having with myself while drying my hair this morning. I am a fascinating individual, let me tell you. Never a dull moment. However, the whole "conversation" reminded me of a discussion I had with my old Spanish professor a few years ago. So I guess it wasn't time completely wasted. (And hey! My hair is dry.)

My Spanish professor (who completely rocked, by the way) spoke five languages. If I remember correctly, the languages were Russian, Spanish, English, German, and French. (I'm not 100% sure about that French. It might have been something else.) He was born in Russia but his parents immigrated to South America when he was a boy. When I met him he had been living in Germany for about 20 years and was teaching Spanish to American students at the base. It amused me to no end that I had a Russian teaching me Spanish in Germany; probably much more than it should have, in fact.

Where was I going with this? Oh yeah!

I asked him one day what language he used in his thoughts. I was guessing either Russian or Spanish because those are the languages he used in his formative years. Of course, he had been here in Germany for a long time and his wife was German. So...

He looked at me and said, "Well, none of them. I think in pictures."

What?

Turns out, not everyone thinks in words. Who knew?

I haven't been able to find a good link discussing this, but I think that most people must think in words. I'm guessing that people who think in symbols or pictures have a lot more connections going on in their brain matter than do I. (Don't tell Jason that I said that, though. He thinks in symbols. Weirdo.) So my question for you today is: Do you think in words or in pictures? Thoughts (ha ha) about the subject?

9 comments:

  1. So glad you found my blog!! I think in words! Who knew that people think in pictures!!! I would imagine that they tend to be more aesthetic learners.

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  2. Yeah, I think they'd have to be. I found stuff online about how "word thinkers" are more linear thinking and I have to say that is true in my case. It's just interesting to me. :)

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  3. Wow that's great!! You should look me up next time you come to Heidelberg!! We could have dinner or something. I love meeting other people who are here in Germany and am always looking for recommendations for great places to visit.

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  4. Words... definately words. I wasn't actually aware there was another alternative until just right at this moment. Hmmm.....

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  5. That would be fun! :)

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  6. That's exactly how I felt when I found out. I was making little bets with myself about what language it would be. It never occurred to me that there was another possible answer. The funny thing is, I'm pretty sure he felt the same way. He looked at me like I was a little off my rocker. lol

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  7. I think in a combination of both, sometimes its like a movie with subtitles in my head, I'm one weird cookie, let me tell you... :)

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  8. LOL...you're a hybrid! ;)

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  9. Lol, your not kidding,... I'm over here It's called Life and Times of a Military Spouse, check it out. It's new, so bear with me though :)

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