If public speaking fills your sleep with nightmares, small talk terrifies you and presentations are your idea of hell fire, Language learning probably does not make it to your bucket list of hobbies.

You probably consider yourself shy or maybe an introvert and spending time in a class trying to practise French with strangers is most likely not your idea of fun.

There seems to be some quite particular views on the link between different individual traits and Language Learning, especially concerning shy learners. Most of which, involve an identity overhaul nearing a complete personality transplant, including the “snap out of it” approach. My guess is that people holding these views have not taught many students, if any at all. Had they had the experience, they would know that is not the student who is in need to adapt to a certain method or teacher, but on the contrary the complete opposite is the solution.

Needless to say, there is absolutely nothing negative about anyone’s nature per se, and although collectively we might think about language learning as an activity better suited to extroverts, second language acquisition is not the exclusive realm of outgoing characters.

Being a timid person doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to forgo the brilliant experience of speaking a second language. In fact, there are some few vital features shy people usually share that could be invaluable when trying to grasp a second lingo.

Below find a few tips to get you started learning a new language whilst making the most out of your shy nature:

Moreover, just think about the way children learn. They are listening for about a year before they utter their first sounds. Take advantage of your natural predisposition to listen and become a master of a new language in your own time. Listen to the radio, music and podcasts in the target language. There are also lots of films available in different languages. The more you listen, the more you will be able to produce when you are ready.

Choose a good, experienced tutor. Teachers should adapt to your learning style and preferences. Having a professional focused on your improvement will work wonders for your progress.

&nbsp

&nbsp

&nbsp

&nbsp

Happy learning!