The human cognitive system is composed of two sets of codes, Verbal Code and Nonverbal Code. Based on what we have learned, we know that: “Dual-coding theory postulates that both visual and verbal information is used to represent information. Visual and verbal information are processed differently and along distinct channels in the human mind.”
When I think of dual coding, the first thing I can think of is Chinese writing. From ancient times to the present, Chinese script fully exemplifies the importance of dual coding theory because Chinese writing is different from the English alphabet, which has its origins in pictographs. People created Chinese characters in the form of physical objects. For example, “火”, as you can guess, means fire.
Secondly, I think that dual coding theory provides an excellent theoretical basis for mind mapping. Taking myself as an example, when I read textbooks or history books, I like to use a mind mapping software called “marginotes”. It helps me quickly find and remember points through graphics and labelled colours. As you can see from the dual coding theory, mind maps represent knowledge as a diagram, which provides an excellent supplement to the original boring text. We use the dual coding theory to reduce the language channel’s cognitive difficulty and accelerate the occurrence of mind expansion.
Reference
Wikimedia Foundation. (2021, May 8). Dual-coding theory. Wikipedia. Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-coding_theory.
Thank you for letting me know about verbal and non-verbal coding, which is an interesting theory. I think I can think of one as the character as the basic unit stored in memory, and the other as the perception of the information on the image, so the two systems work both mutually and independently. Of course, the fact that these two systems excite each other means that they reflect different ways of combining units. Mind mapping presents knowledge in the form of charts and has greater advantages in information processing and expression. Therefore, I believe that when people see a new thing, the abstract appearance of the object will be better than the description of words. Visual input will make it easier for the brain to remember.
Hi Yiting,
Thanks for sharing. This is an interesting topic. Base on reading your post, I can see different thinking styles between Chinese and English characters. As you said, Chinese characters are more like a production of nonverbal code. I do not know if one’s language influences his/her learning style. I am more of a visual learner. Therefore, I prefer to study by looking at pictures and watching videos. It is difficult for me to focus on reading articles with no figures for more than two hours. As you mentioned, the mind map is a great learning tool. I think it combines both verbal and visual. On a mind map, it is easy to follow an idea by looking at the linings. Good blog, Yiting!