The Truth About Introversion and Foreign Language Learning
Jalen and I consider everyone’s experience with language learning to be a personal journey influenced by individuals’ unique circumstances. Things like age, learning style, motivation, and even personality traits – such as introversion or extraversion – make all the difference in how people move through different levels of foreign language mastery.
Introverts are generally considered to be quiet, reserved, anxious, and “shy” people that contrast with extraverts who are outgoing, expressive, sociable, and “friendly.” Despite the fact that many people find introversion undesirable, I argue that introverts can be just as successful at learning a language as extraverts.
Jalen and I have heard language instructors insist that speaking, even more than listening, reading, or writing, is the most important category on which to focus when studying languages. What’s the point of learning a language, they say, if you can’t speak it? While I don’t disagree that speaking is a vital element in studying a language, introverts don’t always respond well to traditional instruction based on the idea that speaking is the be-all and end-all.
The reality is that language instruction often caters to extraverted learners, eager to raise their hands, start discussions, make loud mistakes, and socialize with other learners or native speakers. Introverts, unwilling or unable to interact in the same ways, see their grades, motivation, progress, and even their self-image negatively affected. The idea that speaking is the chief component of learning a language, and that the only way to master speaking skills is to constantly interface with others, give presentations, and talk for talking’s sake, is simply untrue.
As an introvert who began studying French at 14 years old, participated in a high school exchange program, majored in French in college, studied abroad in Canada, passed the DALF C2 exam, lived in France as a language assistant, earned a law degree from a French university, and currently works a full-time job in France, I am proof that not only can introverts learn a language, but they can excel in it. Though I had to advocate for myself to avoid low participation scores in school, and I may listen more than I speak at get-togethers, that doesn’t mean I am any less skilled a French speaker than others!
If you’re an introvert like me, here are my tips to help you excel in your language journey by highlighting your abilities without being forced to feel uncomfortable.
1. Don’t give yourself a hard time.
When instructors and fellow language learners insist that being an introvert means you’re unmotivated, aren’t pushing yourself hard enough, and will never reach your goals, it hurts! Understand that trying your best doesn’t mean you have to constantly make yourself uneasy. After all, language learning should be a pleasant experience. Punishing yourself and wishing your personality away won’t help you make any progress in your target language, but finding the ways you learn best and implementing those techniques will!
2. Customize your practice.
Gatherings like seminars, conversation hours, and book clubs are popular methods to improve language acquisition via group discussion, which can be draining and intimidating for introverts. Instead, try one-on-one conversations in person or online to practice your speaking skills. Likewise, exercising your reading, writing, listening, and observation skills is extremely important in your language development. Don’t let anyone tell you that honing these abilities is somehow less significant in your journey to fluency.
3. Prioritize your needs.
If you study a language in a classroom setting, it’s possible that, like me, you’ll have no choice but to participate in group conversations, be called on in class, and give lengthy presentations. Instead of focusing on how difficult these tasks may feel for you, zero in on how you can alleviate the stress that comes along with them. There is no shame in taking a moment to gather your thoughts before responding in class or practicing your presentation a few more times than others might. Introverts are capable of performing the same tasks as extraverts, but prioritizing your well-being with preparation and perseverance is key.
4. Realize you’re not alone.
Introverts learn languages all the time! I’m a great example, but there’s plenty of other introverted people who successfully attain high levels of fluency in foreign languages. Here are a few examples of people who understand that introversion and language learning are compatible.
As a final note, if you’re guilty of thinking that introverts must ignore their valid personality traits and feelings in favor of learning a language the “traditional” way – stop! Introverts deserve to enjoy the language learning process as much as extraverts. Forcing ineffective methods on introverted students of language creates a self-fulfilling prophecy: Expectations that introverts will perform poorly and will never learn to speak a foreign language result in teaching techniques and biases that prevent introverts from living up to their full potential. Some people learn languages in different ways, and that’s okay.
Are you an introvert or an extravert? How does your personality affect the way you learn languages? Let us know in a comment!
4 Comments
Stephanie
This was a great read! I never considered how learning a language based on your personality trait (extrovert or introvert) plays a big role. I’m definitely quiet and reserved, but when it comes to learning about I am passionate about, I push myself to participate and get involved. However, sometimes I regret it because I get scared and embarrassed if and when I make a mistake. Now that I’ve read this, I will keep this in mind for my upcoming trip to the South of France where I will be studying French.
Jalen & Maria
Thanks for reading! Sometimes a passion for French can light a fire under the most introverted of people. Good luck with your stay in France!
Not Quite Bilingual
Thank you so much for this post. It even made me tear up! I “should be” bilingual – grew up in the US with a native French speaker parent and studied French in school. But I hated trying to speak it when we visited family and was always told (by my extroverted family members) that I needed to try harder, make more of an effort, talk more, that I’d never get better if I didn’t speak up, etc. It didn’t occur to me til I was an adult that I just don’t like big group settings or forcing myself to be chatty, even in English. I spent years feeling ashamed and inadequate before starting to understand this. And in fact I’m quite good at reading and writing in French! Thank you for your post, it was very validating and encouraged me to keep trying, in ways that work for me!
Jalen & Maria
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Best of luck as you continue your language journey while honoring your personality.