Introverts’ Revenge: The Language Learning Perks of Being a Wallflower

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Some people assume that quieter learners are less talented at languages because they may prefer reading to speaking. As a language teacher and learner, I disagree. Introverts can build strong language skills while working with, rather than against, their preferred ways of practising.

(Before you continue reading, I would like to inform my readers that the views in this article are intended for educational purposes only, and that I don’t claim to be an authority in the field of psychology studies. These views are based on my personal experience, and you are free to have your own opinion on the topic. If you do, feel free to reach out in the comments!)

Let’s start with a quote from Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts:

“Extroverts are more likely to take a quick-and-dirty approach to problem-solving, trading accuracy for speed, making increasing numbers of mistakes as they go, and abandoning ship altogether when the problem seems too difficult or frustrating. Introverts think before they act, digest information thoroughly, stay on task longer, give up less easily, and work more accurately.”

Wham! That is a bold quotation to begin this article with.

Cain’s quotation describes possible tendencies, not rules for every introvert or extrovert. In language learning, a preference for reflection can support careful practice, but personality type does not determine memory, persistence or accuracy.

A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away with a native speaker for at least 15 minutes with the “Fluent in 3 Months” method. All it takes is 90 days. Tap this link to find out more.

Careful Listening Can Help Pronunciation

A quieter learner may spend more time listening before speaking. That can be useful preparation, provided it does not become a reason to avoid speaking altogether.

Have you ever heard a learner speak French and prompt the response: “Votre accent est incroyable! Où avez-vous appris le français ?” (“Your accent is incredible! Where did you learn French?”). Careful listening and deliberate pronunciation practice can help produce that reaction. Introversion alone does not predict it.

Learners differ in how they balance getting a message across with monitoring how they say it. Both priorities matter, and either kind of learner can practise the weaker side.

The Big Myth: Extroverts are Better at Speaking Other Languages

There is a popular belief that says that extrovert language learners perform better in speaking, while their introvert counterparts perform better at listening. As a forever-language-learner myself, and a language teacher, I’ve found that my experiences don’t support this claim.

Speaking a language is not about just speaking; it’s about speaking so that other people understand us, so that they feel familiar with us, so that they care about what we have to say and so that they want to continue the conversation with us too!

As a French teacher, I make it a priority during lessons to help my students develop an authentic French accent and natural intonation so they’ll fit in when they socialize in France. I also encourage them to pursue an interest in French culture, as it helps them understand the local people’s reactions and attitudes and have better relationships with the French, in particular with the Parisians! By the way, if you plan to visit Paris and you haven’t read yet The Bonjour Effect by my friend, author Julie Barlow, run to your bookstore… It’s a must-read on the topic of codes of communication in France. I recommend it to all my new students.

That was a big digression. Getting back to our topic…

Wallflower Power! The Strengths of Introvert Language Learners

Some introverts enjoy long stretches of solitary attention. If that describes you, use it for reading, listening, grammar work or vocabulary review. These tasks still take effort, but a practice setting you enjoy can make consistency easier.

In my teaching, I have seen quieter students make excellent progress in speaking and pronunciation when they use their attention to detail. That is an observation about individual students, not evidence that introverts speak better than extroverts.

Introverts LOVE Reading (and Listening)

If you are an introvert, do you crave chunks of quiet time for writing, reflecting, reading novels or even surfing the web in your target language? The benefits of those activities are tremendous.

Listening to conversations helps you understand spoken language better and spot how different grammatical rules impact the sequence of words and phrases. In other words, you’re better equipped to ‘hear’ grammar. And because you listen more than you speak, you can grasp words that otherwise go by too swiftly in the conversation – thus, enriching your vocabulary.

On top of that, you’re likely to prefer smaller groups and deep conversations, and use them as opportunities to practice speaking. When conversing, you may tend to avoid mistakes by choosing the right words carefully before opening your mouth.

Different Strengths, Different Blind Spots

A confident speaker may get plenty of conversational practice yet neglect accuracy, pronunciation or vocabulary range. A careful learner may study those details yet avoid the spontaneous conversations needed to use them. Neither blind spot belongs to one personality type, and neither sets a fixed ceiling such as B1.

The practical answer is to notice what your current habits leave out. If you speak freely, add focused feedback. If you prepare carefully, add short unscripted conversations. Progress depends on practice and feedback, not a personality label.

There are some exceptions, however. For instance, one of my American students, whom I’ll call Bryan, is one of my most brilliant students and probably one of the most extroverted people I’ve ever met. He is a wonderful socializer, comedian and poet at the same time, and if I must admit that pronunciation was not his strength at the beginning, he bluffed me after a few months by focusing relentlessly on his French accent and making incredible progress.

Match the Situation, Not a National Stereotype

Communication norms vary between communities, settings and individuals. Pay attention to the people in front of you instead of assuming that a nationality is naturally loud, quiet, extroverted or introverted.

The English you learnt at school will not prepare you for every conversation in the United Kingdom, the United States or anywhere else. Volume, gesture and turn-taking depend on the person and situation, so observe, ask and adapt without treating a country as one personality.

So if you are learning French, then it is good to develop your introvert and perfectionist mindset. If you are learning Spanish, take time to know about the local culture of the country that you’d like to visit. The Spanish-speaking world is so diverse! Most importantly… be yourself 🙂

Just Enough for that Extra Lift

Learning a language does not require you to become an effervescent extrovert. If one-to-one conversations or smaller groups suit you, use them for regular speaking practice and expand the challenge gradually.

As you know (I know you know) introverts also tend to make fewer connections, but ones that are much deeper. Language practice is ripe at that level. For that reason, you may benefit from connecting with an instructor, whether online or in person. A long one-on-one conversation on a smart topic that engages you with your teacher is such a pleasing (and efficient!) way to make progress in your second language. Plus, good teachers are skilled at making new students more comfortable. You’re in good company, and the long-term company of a teacher-confidante can make all the difference.

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, a middlevert or an outtavert (or who knows, just a vert?), you are reading this article because you love learning languages. We are GOOD at what we love doing, so keep learning languages, and revel in them!