Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Have you ever read a book and then...

I first realized in college that when people said that they were visualizing something, that they really MEANT a VISUAL image! I was floored. Prior to that, I'd thought it was just a figure of speech.

The only time I "see" images in my mind is when I dream. Other than that, all my memories, reading experiences and the like are word-based. I don't always hear the words, although I frequently do. It's more like my mind groups words together and that paints its own non-visual image or experience. I hope that makes sense.

I've found it interesting that although I can't visualize things, I am very good at recalling where, for example, I last saw an item that someone's looking for, even if it was weeks ago, or knowing when something is different in a room. These things always seemed like they'd be very visual-based memories to me, but I guess memory is memory -- just "seen" in different ways.

On the original topic, I also find myself completely swept away by books. I find them to be a true escape to wherever they lead. I just wish I had more time to read for pleasure.

Fun topic!

I think in pictures or words or sounds, depending on the situation. If I'm reading fiction, I see a movie (though I'd say that I replay or rewrite scenes at later times, rather than replaying a whole film).

If I'm speaking a language I'm learning, I see words, never pictures. Never, ever, pictures.

My preferred way to learn vocabulary and grammar is from a very well-organized textbook or other kind of book, followed by reading magazines or books of increasing complexity. If I'm traveling by bus or train, I read signs as the vehicle passes them. I don't force myself to do this; it just happens naturally. I can spend two hours or more doing this. Then, I pick up the accent by listening to people (I can hear their voices enunciating words). I can replay songs in my head and sometimes the sounds are so vibrant, they almost sound real.

Odd, I guess? Does anyone else think like this?

Val

When I'm writing I hear my own voice in my head. (Like right now.) It helps me sort the information. When I'm unsure of the spelling of a word, I always visualize how it should look and I will hear each letter 'said' as I look at it in my mind. When writing (on the computer) I may actually get caught up in my mind's image of what I'm writing about and not be aware of the words I'm typing... similar to how you drive two miles down the road and suddenly realize that you've been driving and not really aware of what has been going on around you. (Please tell me that others do this while driving! LOL)

Also, your post made me think about the fact that while I always see images or "a movie" when I read, I also hear the voices of the characters. I tend to assign a voice to the characters based on their personalities. If reading a manual or something instructional, I usually hear my own voice. When I recall something I've read, I "see it," and if describing it to someone else, I almost always hear the conversations *and* see the images. I never really realized this until I was reading through these posts.

This makes me want to do a study!

Primarily auditory here. When reading, hear words in my head, same when typing, although when reading fiction can read up to about 800 wpm so can't be hearing individual words then. Can usually tell if someone is telling the truth or not, variations in voice tone. I know who's walking up behind me by footsteps, even in a workplace.

Definitely not making a movie of a book in my head, might not be sure with visual recall if my friend wears glasses or not. Would remember them saying, "I lost my glasses case." Conversely, do frequently form visual pictures of people I've met over the phone, or heard on radio. Part is auditory cues: heavy people's voices are different than thin people's. Part is inaccurate, though sometimes the whole picture is accurate.

An example of being primarily auditory. A place I worked had different buildings on a campus. Walking a path I'd been on scores of times over years, I heard a snapping noise, and looked up. It was an American flag, flapping in the wind. I literally didn't know it was there. Sometimes while I'm moving, visual input seems to be processed unconsciously, while I'm deeply cataloging the sounds around me.

I think our species probably has both types deeply coded in our genes. Our ancestors would have needed some highly visual and some highly auditory individuals in the group to effectively watch out for danger, and remember important information.

Me to a T. I can replay most music I have ever heard in my head. But not conversations. It is like those two things are located in separate places. Books are visualized, too.

Temple Grandin a noted speaker on Autism who is herself autistic has a book called I think "thinking in Picture" or "Speaking in Pictures" If you ever get the chance to hear he speak it is amazing and inspirational. HBO has a movie about her out, hven't seen yett