Quote:
Originally Posted by fable  I've wondered about the same thing. Rote formula memorization lies at the foundation of math and the hard sciences, but the odd thing is that it also forms the basis of grammar and linguistic studies. Yet I have no problem with either of these. Grammar, to me, is "flavored." By that I mean, all words and grammatical parts of speech have textures, colors, shapes. Math formulas don't. I have nothing to grasp. This probably sounds odd as all hell, but it holds true, for me, at least. Hopefully it does for you, too, so I won't be the only one in the sandbox being laughed at by the others.   |
Hmmm... this is where we differ. When I was required to take Phonetics
(for those who do not know, usually considered a component of Linguistics) as a part of my French language and lit degree, I barely scraped through, and it wasn't due to a lack of study on my part either, I had a lot of trouble both remembering the formulaic nature, as well as grasping the mathematics-like concepts. French grammar also caused me a lot of grief because that sort of study doesn't come naturally to me, but I managed it tolerably well after *a lot* of application. English grammar has never been an issue for me (unless I'm asked to actually remember and cite the rules), it's instinctive. I suspect the reason I'm fine with English grammar is because I've always read so much. Or maybe Noam Chomsky's theory that everyone is essentially born with a sort of "blueprint" for language comes to bear.
I know *exactly* what you mean with regard to math formulas... there's just nothing tangible or meaningful there to touch and hold onto. I'm a very visual and sensory person, and words always conjure strong images and sensations for me. (take 3 guesses as to which faction I always join when I play PS:T
)
I'm so lopsided in my abilities that I strongly suspect I have dyscalcula. During my final year in high school I had to sit a SAT exam. I scored somewhere in the 95 th percentile in the areas dealing with comprehension, writing etc... and in the 15 th percentile in the math/science sections.
When confronted with numeric problems, especially if fine details are also involved, I quite literally freeze and enter a highly anxious state. Everything begins to blur and I can't think rationally. I only want to flee the situation.
Luckily, I somehow managed a breakthrough in figuring out how to plot a course on a nautical chart (no idea what actually triggered the moment of light)... and considering that charting is a major component of the course... this is very fortunate.
@Kipi, you are right, the boating stuff is not too bad. Now that I'm able to chart, the rest is just worrying about trying to remember the details of lights on buoys, collision regulations (which vessel is the stand on/give way), etc. etc.