Faster Foreign Language Learning

Being an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t get lots of conversation practice in another language and you don’t have to pretend to be an extrovert to do it, either.

Just to clear up a common misconception, technically “introverted” and “shy” aren’t the same thing. A shy person often wants to be more social, but finds it difficult.

We introverts may have no problem being social, but avoid doing so because we find it draining. We usually prefer one-to-one or small-group conversations and avoid mingling in large groups. A lot of us hate pointless chit-chat, preferring more serious, deeper conversations.

“By Myers-Briggs’ definition, an introvert derives energy from his or her internal world of emotions and ideas, while an extrovert draws from the outside world of people and activities for spiritual sustenance.” (Source: CIO )

If that sounds like you, here are a few thoughts on increasing your speaking fluency in a foreign language without draining your “social batteries” too much.

Find a Roommate

I’ve found this absolutely invaluable both for language practice and getting to know the local culture. It’s handy to have someone you can ask for useful phrases, as well as ask to clarify etiquette issues or explain exactly what today’s holiday is all about. And for an introvert, it’s often much easier to have one person you can get to know well than to try to be a social butterfly.

At thirty-*cough-cough,* though, I’m not comfortable with couch-surfing or staying in hostels (they’re called “youth” hostels for a reason). Away from home, I usually rent with one other person. I’ve usually just stayed in a tourist apartment until I can either meet a local who can advise on apartment-hunting, but you could also find out on your own which local newspapers or websites have “roommate wanted” ads.

If you don’t know much of the local language, look for someone who speaks just a little of your language and, even better, isn’t working on learning more. Since you’re immersed in the local languages, chances are you’ll learn that much faster than your roommate will learn yours and soon it will just be easier to speak the local language. If you work at home, you might want to avoid students, since they who tend to be in and out all day, which can get disruptive.

For short-term stays, an alternative to the loud, boisterous youth hostel is the guest house or boutique hotel. Guest houses outside the main tourist areas are not only cheaper, but also have fewer foreigners. Try to get a room near the lobby and hang out in the lobby as often as you can. These places may have long-term residents you can get to know if you spend enough time out where you’re visible.

Seek Out Interesting People

Are you the typical introvert who hate superficial chit chat, gossip, and conversations that go nowhere? The fact that you’re looking for people to practice talking to doesn’t mean you have to talk to anyone and everyone.

Go look for new friends anywhere you’d go if you spoke the language fluently and wanted to meet some people you can really connect with. When I first arrived in Budapest, I went to book readings even though I hardly understood Hungarian at all, much less literary Hungarian.

Put up an ad offering language exchange sessions and list your interests. By mentioning the things you like to talk about, you increase your chances of meeting someone like-minded. This more structured type of socializing puts less pressure on you because there’s no wondering when to invite the other person or when they’re going to home.

Another strategy that can be more structured and intellectually engaging that fellow hostel-occupants is to look for volunteer opportunities. You’ll almost certainly be given a job that doesn’t require knowledge of the local language, but you’ll come in contact with people who speak only that language.

Make the First Move

This is much easier in some cultures than others. In some places you can hide behind a book and people will still come up and try to chat with you. In other places, you could sit there in silence all day.

Within the local norm, try to strike up conversations whenever you can. It doesn’t matter that, as an introvert, you wouldn’t chit-chat with strangers even in your native language. You don’t need to go into it with the intention of “getting to know” the other person. All you’re really trying to do is practice a little. You say something like, “Hey, those are great looking shoes. I bet they’re really comfortable.” and you’ll probably get one of the following reactions:

• A disgusted look
• A surprised look
• A polite brush-off comment such as “Uh-huh.”
• A thoughtful, engaging reply

The first is unlikely and the second isn’t so bad. With the third, you can decide based on other social cues whether you want to press on or drop it.

Obviously, it’s the fourth we hope for. Depending on the person and the culture, you might exchange a few words or end up exchanging phone numbers with plans to meet. Either way, you got in a little speaking practice.

Getting enough foreign language speaking practice may take a little more planning and effort for us introverts, but it’s entirely possible to do while still being true to our wonderful little introverted selves.

Related posts:

1. How to Overcome Fear of Speaking a Foreign Language
2. Learning a Foreign Language Online: Cheap and Convenient or a Waste of Time?
3. Learning a Foreign Language: Tips for Learning Grammar
4. Fear of Speaking a Foreign Language? Consider This When You Travel
5. Five Myths about Immersion that Can Ruin Your Language Holiday

Tags: foreign languages for introverts, introvert, introverted, language learning for introverts, shy