12. LANGUAGE.
The function of this organ is to enable its possessor to express his ideas in appropriate language, and thus to communicate thoughts and sentiments. The talent of verbal memory depends on this organ.
Predominant.—Those in whom this organ predominates abound with words. They talk merely for the sake of talking, and their style in writing and speaking is characterized by great verbosity. In ordinary conversation they will use a great multitude of words to express a common idea, and will be distinguished among their acquaintance as intolerable talkers. They will be able to commit words to memory with readiness, and will recollect forms of expression, where otherwise the idea would escape them.
Large.—With Language large, one will possess the qualities to a great extent that are ascribed to Language predominant. With large Individuality, Form, Locality and Eventuality, will be enabled to relate with great accuracy the conversation of a speaker, his looks, tones and actions, and will readily recall the precise words used. He will possess great ability to acquire knowledge, and will be distinguished for copiousness, ease and volubility of expression. If Causality and Comparison are moderate or small, his ideas will be of a crude, imperfect character, yet he will converse incessantly nevertheless. With Comparison large, his knowledge of language will be superior, but if Comparison is small his words will often be incorrect and applied in a wrong sense.
Moderate.—With Language but moderate on ordinary occasions, one will be wanting in powers of expression, and to express his ideas with fluency and effect, he will require much excitement. If Causality and Comparison are large, with a large and active brain, he will have many important ideas, but they will lose much of their cogency for want of more appropriate expressions. With Secretiveness large, he will be rather taciturn and indisposed for conversation.
Small.—With Language small, one will be unable to express any but the most common ideas without hesitation and embarrassment. He will find it difficult and almost impossible to commit to memory, and his style of speaking and writing will be dry and common place; talking will be to him a burthen.