When it comes to learning foreign languages, it seems that extroverts and introverts benefit from different learning strategies. The two different ways of being lead to two almost opposite learning processes.
It is not a matter of age. According to many linguists and psychologists, what influences your language progress is your willingness to take risks, and whether you are outgoing or not.
Taking risks in language learning is very important. If you are not willing to go out of your comfort zone by talking despite not being confident, it might be hard to get better.
Is It Better To Be An Extrovert?
They say that it takes less time to acquire a language for an extrovert than for an introvert. But is it really so? Let us dig deeper into extro- and introversion problems and look at what the new studies from the linguistic field say.
As you might know, extroverts are charged from the outside world. They tend to look for adventure and excitement in everything they do. They are also easily distracted from reading or writing.
Introverts are, on the other hand, charged by their inner world. They tend to be more private, reserved, and cautious in social interaction. Their focus is stable and usually lasts longer, and they focus on problem-solving rather than messing around.
Science often points out links between self-confidence and second language acquisition. Since extroverts worry less about accuracy and grammar, they often get more practice than the introverts.
For introverts, it takes longer to get out there and start using the language. That means that they have enough time to spend, in order to make sure that their Vocabulary is rich enough and their Grammar proper.
When it comes to accuracy, the introverted people do try to master the language before they start talking to anybody. That gives them an advantage in grammar and overall accuracy. Also, introverts, while learning tend to do better in a class environment.
Taking Risks Is What Matters
Despite that extroversion-introversion might seem to be a deal-breaker, the research found no significant proof that extroversion or introversion would be better for second language acquisition.
The main thing that matters is the willingness to take risks and learn from your own mistakes. That ultimately leads to improvement and success. Here are some mistakes a lot of learners make and, ways to avoid them.
Personality traits overall do not seem to be that important as motivation and willingness to leave your comfort zone.
How does taking risks look in language learning? One of many instances would be, for example, starting a conversation in a foreign language, asking a teacher during a class about things you do not understand, and talk despite not being able to use correct grammar yet.
Extroverts vs Introverts- learning tips
Tips for Extroverts
Extroverts are known as less accurate people. For them it seems a bit harder to concentrate. Therefore, they spend less time on studying on their own, improving their grammar and individually, enriching their vocabulary. How could they concentrate better? Here are some tips that may help.
- Meditate beforehand
- Take breaks while learning
- Use background music
- Schedule your learning hours
Tips for Introverts
It may be hard for Introverts to initiate a Conversation, or contribute to its natural flow. However, once they open up, they certainly have a lot of things to share. The golden rule every Introvert should follow in such situations is- don’t overthink. Here are some tips on how to start small conversations with Native speakers.
- Ask for a piece of information
- Compliment someone
- Make a comment
- Offer help
- Ask for help
- Talk about the weather
Before getting exposed to a larger group of people, a good option for Introverts learning a language would be to get a language- exchange partner. At Swap language connect with other language learners for free.
Focusing on your weeknesses
Taking in consideration wether you are an introvert or an extrovert can help you build your learning strategy better.
Don’t forget that learning any language is about effort and hard work. Talk, read, and listen to it as often as possible, and you will feel improved every day!
Is there a golden middle?
The resources introverts and extroverts may use can differ. When creating our language courses, we took in consideration the personality aspect too. Our weekly live language lessons give the possibility to both introverts and extroverts to enjoy things at their own pace.
The duration and format make it easy for extroverts to concentrate and participate as much as they would like to, interacting with other participants and commenting in the chat.
Introverts enjoy participating from the confort of their own room, and integrate into the community when they feel ready.
Join our Spanish or Danish lessons and experience it yourself!
No matter what would you classify yourself as, introvert or extrovert, acquiring a language is a destination everyone can reach. The path and duration may differ.
The important thing is to find your way of enjoying the process.
