An Introvert’s Guide to Language Learning

There’s more to learning a language than studying.

You need to use a language to achieve

greater proficiency.

Typically, using a language involves speaking to other people.

Image by dearbarbie on Flickr.com

Image by dearbarbie on Flickr.com

For an introvert, conversing in a foreign language turns an already

draining task into a completely exhausting experience.

So how can introverts improve their language skills without burning out?

Set simple goals. 1

Don’t set “learn the language” as your goal—it’s too overwhelming. Start by setting simple, measurable goals.

Focus on becoming more comfortable in social situations in general, not more

comfortable using the language itself. (That will follow!)

Instead of trying to “speak fluently”, focus on mustering up the courage to attend a

conversation group once per week. Each time, try to speak a little bit more.

Join an online community. 2

Not ready for face-to-face interaction? Bridge the gap in an

online community.

Join Transparent Language’s online communities (in two dozen languages!)

and take advantage of our free resources alongside your fellow learners.

Find a conversation partner via InterPals—an international pen pal

service. It’s a innocuous opportunity to practice with a native speaker.

Contribute to an online forum like Lang-8, where you can post in your target language and receive polite corrections from native speakers.

Find online tools that allow you to interact with fellow language learners and speakers while you build up to

more social activities.

Hire a one-on-one online tutor. 3

The internet is a powerful language-learning tool, but don’t hide behind it.

Image by Tambako the Jugar on Flickr.com

The internet gives you access to millions of people around the world, including

trained teachers in your target language!

Hiring an online language tutor is a great strategy for introverted learners.

Image by Ivo Posthumus on Flickr.com

It’s a controlled social situation—you pick the time of day and the duration, and you can learn from anywhere, ensuring you’ll

be prepared and comfortable.

Best of all, you’ll be working one-on-one with a trained professional, without the pressure of speaking to a large group.

Image by Visual_dichotomy on Flickr.com

Sign up for an online class. 4

If you do want to get the classroom learning experience, sign up for

an online class.

You’ll receive all the benefits of a traditional classroom—a trained instructor, peer

interaction, etc.—without the stresses an introvert may associate with being in class.

Image by Christopher Sessums on Flickr.com

You’ll still be in the comfort of your own home, and can disconnect when you’re finished,

avoiding taxing bi-products of a brick-and-mortar class, like making small talk.

Learn with an extroverted friend. 5

Find an outgoing, sociable friend or colleague with whom you can learn.

You can tag along to classes or conversation groups that would otherwise

feel stressed out attending alone.

Image © www.davidbaxendale.com via Flickr.com

In addition to riding their coattails in social situations, this strategy gives you a practice partner with whom you already

feel relaxed and comfortable.

Recharge with individual activities. 6

As an introverted language learner, you’ll have to push yourself. But you should also reward

your and take time to recharge!

Image by Samuel M. Livingston on Flickr.com

Remember, introverts aren’t just shy people, they are people who genuinely

find social situations to be draining.

It’s important to find solo activities that will keep you engaged with the language while you

recharge a bit.

Complete a lesson in Transparent Language Online, watch a movie or read a book in the

target language, listen to music, etc.

Whether you want to start slow or dive right in, we’re here to help!

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Learn on your own in Transparent Language Online.

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