Extroverts VS Introverts: Who masters a language faster?

There are many myths about language learning. One of them is extroverts learn a language faster while introverts need more time to absorb the language.

Is this really true?

Let’s take a close look about how introverts and extroverts learn:

Introverts:

People who are introverted tend to focus more on internal thoughts, feelings and moods rather than seeking out external stimulation.

Grammar and writing are what interest them most. They are usually consistent and efficient learners who can study a certain topic thoroughly.

However, overthinking is their common trait. Since they are afraid to make mistakes, once they meet the bottleneck of language learning, it’s harder for them to come back up.

Extroverts:

Most people believe that an extrovert is a person who is friendly and outgoing. While that may be true, that is not the full meaning of extroversion. An extrovert is a person who is energized by being around other people.

Extroverts are natural speakers. They are not afraid to reach out to people and start a conversation. This is especially beneficial in language learning. The more you practise a language, the faster you master fluency.

However, what extroverts hate most is grammar. If you talk to them about past tense, present tense or even prepositions, their brain is going to shut down. Therefore, writing and grammar are their weakest part.

Who learns better?

To judge the efficiency of a language learner by their personality is ridiculously subjective.

No matter whether you are an introvert or extrovert, language learning requires the following three elements:

1/ The attitude of the learner

How much you want to learn a language will determine your ability in dealing with obstacles in language learning.

Learning a language is like everything in life. Sometimes, it has ups and downs. When we reach a plateau or a tricky grammar point, your motivation is the only thing that gets you through difficult times.

Therefore, motivation is your number one consideration in learning a language.

2/ Time spent with the language

Even though you are very motivated to learn a language, but if you can not squeeze any time to practise a language. It is bound to fail. Language learning takes dedication and time to reach fluency.

How much time can you squeeze to immerse a language? We can not build The Great Wall in one day. It is the same as learning a language.

3/ Are you an observant learner?

Some people are more receptive to a language. They can notice the lexical difference in intonation or they can observe the syntax difference between the learning language and their mother tongue.

Their detailed analysis helps them pick up a language faster.

Believing is the first step to action. If you believe you are going to achieve your language goals, you are more likely to reach success.