Read the Introvert Advantage if you want a more elaborate but not PhD thesis-like explanation of this.

Getting down on introverts by telling them they are shy is an example of the negative thinking which you know is not useful. That’s like saying some language is hard.

Introverts just use different methods to master languages.

Its not surprising to me that the overwhelming majority of world-class slam poets I’ve met are actually shy (i.e. Introverts). With introversion comes the potential for a different type of language acquisition. I also didn’t feel these slam poets were any less multilingual than your typical extrovert.

Instead their passion for languages was the key, not their introversion or extroversion.

Introverts learn differently.

Benny, perhaps you could find someone who has achieved what you have, who is an introvert and then you two can figure out what the different approaches are when you are an introvert or an extrovert.

But well, I understand it's a stupid excuse. People can go outside and meet new people, and that doesn't have to mean talking to everyone they see, but everyone can learn how to be a little more outgoing.

I find it interesting when people say “many studies” without linking to them or referring to the precise conditions they were carried out in. The study could have simply asked people “are you shy” for example rather than properly test the assumption. This is NOT the same as asking “are you gay”. To be frank, I don't trust people's own opinions of how shy they are. It means nothing. I'd argue that the vast majority of people in such studies would simply claim to be shy without anything more than just a feeling, or could become more social with just a little pressure. Lack of pressure keeps them shy, not genetics, even if genetics contribute to their likeliness of veering towards shyness, it's not a life sentence.

The author can be so confident about this because I was also very introverted before I travelled and learned the error of my ways. There's nothing scientific about your retort. I'm not talking about autism, I'm talking about people that invent excuses and use “genetics” to back up their reasoning to stay indoors.

As an introvert (i.e., “shy” person), I find the empty banter of the overly social to be utterly boring and unengaging, and their habit of claiming psychological superiority despite a complete lack of introspection to be utterly laughable. This has not stopped me from forming strong friendships, traveling the world, and learning three additional languages to the two I grew up with.

How does the author explain the many published and peer-reviewd (and as far as I know completely uncontroversial) studies that have proven mathematically that shyness is 50% genetic – the same as sexual preference, risk taking, and the like?

Seriously, if you must spout opinions that fly in the face of science, try to limit yourself to ones that don't belittle people who happen not to be the same as you.

However, most people who do not have medical reasons are just lazy and can easily change their situation if they really tried. The fact that these people tell me they are “born” that way when they are not, really annoys me because it belittles people with a real issue on their hands like yourself.

Medical conditions are different and most people reading my blog will not be in that situation. They will invent reasons and blame genetics with no medical proof. It's all in their heads. That's not your situation.

Best of luck in your language learning – I hope you meet natives and get lots of practise You don't have to ask for their numbers, but if you find social situations and attend then maybe they'll come to you and say hi

So, although it's true that no-one is born that way, babies do indeed possess an innate capacity—or an innate lack thereof—for shyness, given the “right” envirnoment.

Additionally, many psychological disorders with genetic bases cause social withdrawal (autism, for instance).

Not only you practise your language skills, but also your social skills and you learn more about the culture. I did this when i was in spain and as a pleasant side-note i saw my success-rate with the ladies go up considerably.

Gotta say I love the Irish!! Some of the most amazing and entertaining people I've met yet!

Canadian student feeling the bite from the travel bug.

We all have that opportunity to become someone new when we try out our new language on others… almost like being an actor and playing the part of a very outgoing person who is simply not self conscious and always ready to laugh!