I don’t like polygots on RUclips saying you need to start speaking immediately. I personally found it intimidating and discouraging when speaking or texting with native/advanced speakers, because I did not understand the verb cases or advanced vocabulary/slang and also how to respond. So I preferred to learn more and then start speaking.
I’ve done some “language” exchanges recently with some Chinese women on Tandem and it was really just a cultural exchange because my Chinese is too basic. I enjoyed it but they’re the ones getting the language practice. It actually does motivate me to study more though so I can surprise them with new skills.
I agree, but there seem to be a contingent of polyglots on RUclips that take this idea too far, and discourage speaking for far too long after you start learning, sometimes more than six months. Not all languages need that long of an incubation period, and it may actually be counterproductive to wait that long. Learning to speak comfortably helps you read and listen, and vice-versa- these skills dont necessarily exist in a vacuum.
John Tyler as a polyglot, I can tell you that when they say “start speaking the language immediately”,they mean that it’s gonna help you adapt more on the pronunciation and how sentences works. For me it was the same, when I started learning new languages I used to talk with native speakers a lot but I didn’t really know all the words and verbs especially when it comes to hard grammar and vocabulary, but the thing that I’m trying to tell you and all the polyglot is that listening and speaking when you start,can give you a big push and help you get better,faster, I know its long 😂😂 but good luck 👍🍀.
Extroverts get their energy from being around other people, whereas introverts get their energy from being alone. Introverts have to take time to 'recharge their batteries' on their own, especially if they have been somewhere with a lot of people around them. That's exhausting for introverts. It's not so much about being shy as it is about being overwhelmed by a lot of people. I eventually realized that I am fine with one-on-one interactions, but I will not always have enough in common with every person to carry on an extended conversation. I think it's important for introverts to understand this, because for years I felt shy and insecure about meeting new people, until I understood that I just don't like being in crowds. Paradoxically, I am fine in a setting where everyone is learning something or watching an event, because the focus is on something in particular. Hope that helps :)
I never would've guessed that you were an introvert. I loved this video so much because I feel like this is one aspect of language learning that is never talked about. You always hear people say "just go out and talk to people" but it's not that easy. I mean, if I have a hard time talking to people in my native language, what makes you think I can do it in a language that I'm still learning. Anyway, great video as usual!
As a fellow introvert, I just want to say: thanks for this empowering talk! It's nice to know I'm not the only one who prefers to learn in their social comfort zone during the beginning stages.☺️
If im an introvert and i have a hard time having a conversation in my language then you best believe im going to have an even harder time in a different langauge. So i prefer learning and using my own resources before i go out and converse with others
I agree: both introverts and extroverts can be good language learners. What can prevent you from getting better at a language is anxiety, and if speaking with native speakers when you are not ready causes you anxiety, then this might not be the best way to approach the language. Different people have different methods, different comfort zones and different tolerance to getting out of it. I define myself as an introvert and I wanted to share this story if you are in for a long text. I have been learning japanese for some years now. I started in high school by myself and later on I took classes on weekends. After finishing all the levels that the school offered I was feeling pretty confident with my japanese and a a couple of years after that, I was able to travel to Japan to keep learning japanese and for some language immersion. I was amazed that I was able to understand a lot when I first landed: I was able to order food, visit places, have fun, etc. But then reality hit when school started. After they assesed my skills, they placed me on the lower intermediate level, so I got into a group where people already knew themselves for more than a year. Other introverts might understand the feeling of joining a class where groups are already stablished. I struggled a lot trying to make friends because even though I was able to understand a lot and talk about basic things, I didn't have the skills to joke around or talk about anything remotely interesting. This took me to a dark place in my head and this ended up in panic attacks and depression. I had to abort my 1 year mission and came back to my home country after 3 months fearing for my mental health. This indeed leveled up my japanese, but in the end I was more focused on keeping myself sane than on learning kanji and vocab... On the flip side, I've been learning english almost my entire life and when the company where I work at asked me to travel for some training to Montreal, it was a breeze. I went out with my coworkers and left with some awesome memories. And on top of that, I felt my english pronunciation got a lot better! Man, I even threw in some french!
This is really inspiring. I love learning languages. I'm not a polyglot and I am an introvert. Being introvert actually helps me along the process of language learning. I also had in mind before that learning new language was difficult due to the fact that I don't usually talk with people, especially strangers. But self-paced learning with the aid of new technology, it's totally possible. In my personal experience, I also discovered that despite of my shyness and being reserved, I also have the ability to get along with people that shares the same interests with me, and especially if it's something I'm passionate about that I'd like to share and talk with people. And that's just it. I have become a leader in several organizations in the past 7 years, I have figured out how to preside/handle meetings or events for serious matters but seldom go for parties and social night events. It doesn't change the fact that I'm an introvert. That's just me. As introverts, we can go out of our comfort zone of solitude and socialize a bit, but not pushing too hard wishing that we become extroverts because it's really not a good idea. We can just embrace and celebrate our being introverts. And YES, we are capable and very good at learning new things, such as any new LANGUAGE. Thanks a lot sir Robin. Continue to inspire introverts, I hope I'll become fluent and polyglot like you someday. New subscriber here :) - Ram from the Philippines
Extraverts are good at small talk and in the beginning that is the only talk you can have anyway. But the deeper you go into the language, the more meaningful conversation you can have and that is when introverts start to shine.
I began learning Italian a year ago . I watched so many videos on RUclips, writing down buckets of stuff. Inadvertently learning vocabulary. Now I feel ready to LAUNCH myself, my toolbox is full of stuff, and I'm ready. My analogy ? A carpenter can't make things without the tools to do the job.
I feel for this. I’m introverted and scared to talk in foreign languages. Having over 10 years experience of learning Chinese, the last year Japanese and Korean, I found it quite disappointing not being able to be confident in speaking. So I decided to step out of my comfort zone. That’s embarrassing and frustrating, but at the same time I’m uplifted and even more inspired to continue learning. Thank you for raising this topic.
As a person social anxiety I find it difficult to learn to speak well in a foreign language. I am totally fine with writing but when I have to speak I get stuck. I consider myself fluent in English but even when I try to speak, for example when I am in another country, my level just drops... Apart from that, I think it's absolutely possible to learn a language without having to talk to a lot of people. And I'm also pretty much ok with speaking to my tutor whenever I have one! It's the random people that I can't approach.
For me, when I tried to approach strangers to speak Tamil, there was an initial happy reaction that I was learning their lesser known language, but that quickly turned to awkwardness because I was not able to communicate naturally. It was uncomfortable for me, but probably also for them. There's also a limit to topics you can speak about with a stranger. Also, they were wayyyy more interested in the English language as most of them are working in the US and using English. So it makes much more sense to wait until getting to a higher level before speaking - otherwise it's easy to give up after a few bad experiences. Unfortunately, we're not praised for saying our 1st 200 words like toddlers are. It would be nice if we were. :-) Thank you for your videos. You're making a huge difference in a lot of people's lives including mine. ❤️
really can relate to this.......i am 57.......and i tried to be an extrovert most of my life.......but then i read the book "still" by susan caine......now i feel better and actually i am pleased to be an introvert.....when it comes to languages.....to me it seems( and i don`t want to offend anyone) that extroverts start to talk right from the beginning......making a lot of mistakes.....but they don`t seem to realise it and just go on......being an introvert, i want to learn the basics first.....it is like having a map when you visit a city
Exactly, Extroverts tend to be conscious about making mistakes while talking which makes them be perfecitionist and break down everything or prepare before doing something
I think it just makes sense to attain A LOT of input from the language before you even start engaging in conversations. I think of it as the building blocks to speaking.
Well guys don't get discouraged I am extremely introverted, one of my hobbies is learning languages and I speak 4 languages now without really talking and socializing with people... Internet helped me learn these languages a lot... Extroverts are no better than us at learning languages.
i think being an introvert makes it that much more challenging to socialize in a foreign language because most introverts really need to feel comfortable to relax and have a proper conversation. I can say from my experience living in a Japanese share house (really a dormitory) that extroverts have a huge advantage. Speaking ability, like many things, can feel like a popularity contest. As an introvert (usually) this seems a little unfair but it also makes sense. But if you've been hitting the books studying your butt off but some other guy is better looking or just funnier or louder or whatever, and more fun to talk to, then they're going to get the attention and have the better conversations and be perceived as more skilled. Because speaking involves a lot of things not just language knowledge.
Hey Paul! As always thanks for your thoughtful comment and sharing more of your experiences. I do have to say that disagree that someone who is just better looking/funnier/louder will have better conversations and be perceived as more skilled. But I don't mean that in a combative way and I think this is why it's so helpful to have these discussions! I encountered a lot of other foreigners in Japan who were much more outgoing, louder, very eager to speak, and so on - many of whom didn't actually have terribly deep knowledge of Japanese language or culture (especially the latter). My experience was that I ended up getting way, way, way more attention over time and built many more, much deeper real connections with Japanese people. I actually remember quite a lot of the more outgoing folks growing very frustrated over time that they were unable to make meaningful connections with Japanese people. I actually became very curious about this and after talking to a lot of Japanese people about it at the time, they almost all identified that (1) they immediately recognized that my Japanese skills were far stronger than most people they encountered; (2) it was also immediately clear that I understood them as Japanese people much more deeply; (3) they liked that I never came across as showing off. I've had a lot of experiences like this in a variety of languages. Sometimes they can be quite specific (the above story has some particularities to Japanese language and culture) but they're all wonderful and interesting experiences that are dear to me.
I found your RUclips channel this weekend and immediately subscribed. I’ve been trying to learn Mandarin Chinese on my own and I was thrilled with your videos about learning to speak primarily on your own! I am an introvert working from home during the pandemic. I don’t like dealing with people it makes me tired and stressed out. All of the advice I’ve ever seen anywhere else has always said talk to people but talking to people is the scariest thing for me. When I saw your video about the graded readers I ordered some for myself at breakthrough level. I have been dying for reading material that’s all I ever wanted do in my life is to really be able to read ALL the books!! I am hoping to learn Russian someday soon. Thank you for your wonderful videos I’m sorry this post has been so long!
I’d be on the other edge of the couch! Thanks for all your insight. It really spoke to me as an introvert. Your channel is taking off!! Much, much deserved! Tres heureuse pour toi!
I’m one of those that came to your channel because of that video, and have already binged watched a lot of your other vids 😆 I speak English and Spanish and have been learning Italian for 5 months and reached a level as to where I can watch content without English Subtitles. I also plan on starting to learn French next month. Your video meant a lot to me because I largely learn everything by myself, just because I feel more comfortable that way; people often discourage me by saying that it’s not possible to learn a basic comprehension of anything by yourself.
Your energy attitude is my best friend, I am watching all your videos slowly digesting,they encourage me a lot to practice Hungarian and German at the same time You’re great many thanks 💐
As a language teacher, I notice that extroverts tend to get it quicker than introverts. They understand that spoken language is a matter of "repetoire", not logic. But I think in the long run the introvert has the edge because they have the will to read, and obtain more rare vocabulary.
For most people, self studying, as you've suggested, is a better way to go, for most. Not just cuz people are introverts, but instead, there is a lot of pressure trying to speak from early on, even for extroverts.
For me it’s something similar. I sound childish in Spanish, but extroverted. In English I’m extroverted and kinda “mature”, and in Portuguese, I’m introverted but not super shy.
You are an honest ambassador Robin. Your videos give so much honest inspiration. I agree about your approach. After the initial introductions where does one go from there ? It leads to possibly embarrassing situations. I believe you need a reasonable arsenal of words and phrases before " launching " yourself. Keep the videos coming , great work ! Thank you !
Thank you for this - it’s great encouragement for me. It was also gratifying to see your immersion bubble videos; I had started “thinking out loud” (thank you 😉) in Spanish before that, and it was nice to know it wasn’t as weird as I might have thought. Starting to incorporate your other suggestions about that, and I love it. Very introverted myself, and it’s nice to hear this viewpoint.
What about ancient languages? They're perfect for introverts: You have libraries of texts to read, learn about history and culture, but you never have to speak them! 😆 I think the language community on RUclips is not really fond of them. I'm German and have learned English, French and Spanish in school. In university, I've started to learn ancient languages. Now I can read Latin, Ancient Greek, Hebrew and Classical Syriac and currently work on Classical Armenian, a really beautiful language!
thank you so much for this. my major is french, i've been learning it for 2 years and to this day i haven't had a single conversation with a native speaker. i get anxious just by thinking about it due to the fact that i'm always comparing myself with my classmates.... and sometimes i do think perhaps i chose the wrong major because i'm not the most extroverted person out there, even though i really enjoy studying languages.. meh
Il est difficile de croire que tu es introverti, Robin. Je ressens une excellente positivité de votre part pendant que vous parlez et présentez votre vision du sujet. Et vos idées sont assez proche de la mienne, même si je ne me considère pas comme polyglotte. Salut.
Robin, please make a video or in other way share your tips (anyone reading this also feel free to share your tips and/or experience!) on how to make a debut at a polyglot conference as an introvert - what was your experience there? How to prepare yourself for being surrounded by other polyglots, some of them like you mentioned very outgoing, etc.
Thank you robin, its very useful. That's always happen in my life. Its quite difficult to find a partner for conversation. I enjoy seeing your video that makes me subscribe your Chanel...succses for you..
Hi everyone! *HAPPY MONDAY!* 🎈 I hope everyone has a wonderful new week ahead! If anyone wants to check out the two main videos I made on the details of my own process that inspired today's video: *1. My first video on how I learn languages without talking to people:* ruclips.net/video/QxHKkfbcRKQ/видео.html *2. My follow-up where I discuss avoiding mistakes during this process:* ruclips.net/video/X-Dj74TJoOI/видео.html *3. My first & only proper conversation in Mandarin Chinese so far with Jake:* ruclips.net/video/a9x7Vyv0XLc/видео.html
Hey Robin! I guess on one hand introverts talk less so maybe it would be harder to move the passive vocabs into active. On the other hand... we introverts have a bit less social life and therefore we have more inputs through studying haha! So... I don't know :-)
Robin, could u please make a video 'bout resources to learn a language? I really need it. I'm 16 and I think I'm a intermediate english but, I'm losing my motivation because of the struggles I've been going through, because I can't understand the english and its grammar and the reactive words, please help me!!! 🇧🇷
I study languages in order to acquire reading skills for literature, especially poetry. Having reading skills in a variety languages without speaking the skills, is that considered polyglottal?
Hello Robin, It's a second video that I have seen from you and I would never think that you were an introvert! Anyway, I agree that it's easier to talk with strangers if you know the basics, even more than the basics. It's so hard to speak your own language with strangers, how could one think that it would be comfortable to speak with strangers in a foreign language that we don't know quite well? Thank you for your videos. They are very good!
my friend said " if you want to be the better english speaker, you must talk to native speaker" I'm getting confused about it, because its' hard for me to looking for the friends from the other countries (fyi i'm bad at getting well with my friend as well). your videos helps me a lot to improve my speaking skill by myself. thanks to you
Happy monday!!! a very interesting tip.... Entiendo que sea dificil para una aprendiz tratar de hablar en el idioma objetivo. Te hablaba de fonologia. Primero, ( creo ) es importante sentirse cómodo con los sonidos del lenguaje, conocer palabras y expresiones básicas. Después se pueden dar pequeños pasos. Intentar desde el principio puede ocasionar temor....
Being introvert does not make you worse at learning a language, it makes using what you have learned difficult. I know since I’m introverted my self living in german speaking country for 3 years now. English came easily to me, i have never really learned it, it just came sort of automatically. But german language is something else entirely, it’s harder or maybe im just getting older 🙃 After 3 years now im already ok, but would like to progress more... Would reading interesting books help me with that? I’m not really a guy with patience for learning grammar... Any tips on how to progress or on learning discipline?
In psychology, there are 8 intelligence types. One these types is language intelligence. You may have some of these more developed than the others. So, in my point of view, it has nothing to do with introversion/extroversion. I am an introvert and learning a foreign language is as much easy for me as to breath. Its just my brain is ,,designed" like that, I love languages and learning them its my biggest talent.
Most ppl i meet that are introverts live on electronics all day. Mainly to hide/distract themselves from reality (stress). And generally doing that all day (and avoiding the nature/sun) sucks away all your dopamine which gives you less motivation to talk or less motivation in general. But i feel like anyone in general can learn a language if they put thier minds to it. Of course you will have to communicate. Life is all about making some sort of sacrifice.
i consider myself an introvert and i was above everyone else in my foreign language class, and i say this cause prof literally told me so. i know of a few other youtubers who've said they learned a language on their own first, before actually conversing with ppl. so if anything, introverts are prob better at it
I don't think that introverts are the worse language learners... they can be pretty good at reading, writing and listening; and maybe not so good at speaking if they feel uncomfortable to talk in a situation that the circumstance pushes you to be something that you aren't ( a super extrovert ). Many introverts don't like to small talk, or just don't know how to do it without feeling stupid 😪. Maybe if the other person have the right approach to start or conduct a conversation, they can be pretty talkative. As an introvert myself there were times I felt so comfortable that the talking was natural, without anxiety, and other situations where I stuttered and forgot words that I knew just because I was focussing my attention in other things or worried about ☹ (probably not a problem of introversion/extroversion but communication). You have to agree with me, introverts are the best people to have a good conversation sometimes 🙄.
I like your video ,Thank you for your advice in the last video ( speeking alone in the language that you learn) , i am strugling with italian right now and i dont know anyone that speeks italian so your advice realy helps me. I feel like an introvert but not all the time , sometimes i feel and act as an extrovert but inside of me i am more introvert than extrovert . i perfectly understand what you are saing , i feel that we two are similar. I have a problem intereact with unknown persons . Even so i"d like to attend a polyglot meeting. I have a question for you From where you find out where are polyglot meetings ? i'd love to atend to such a meeting . I know that with the corona virus situation they are not such meetings. But after the corona situation things maybe will returt to the way it was befor.
I find it easier to be introverted as I learn Spanish because I can concentrate on learning instead of trying to talk to native speakers (unless my male cat decides he wants attention my "son" my "daughter" couldn't care less')
Hii, Could you please suggest me best English Novels or English magazines to learn this language? I have been reading "HARD TIMES" by CHARLES DICKENS but i found it really hard and difficult to understand.. :( Thank youu
What do you personally think is a basic fluency level if you have to put a number into it? B1? I wouldn't know cos only now that I started learning a new language all by myself. I learned Chinese at a classroom environment (at first)
Chinese grammar doesn't have what English grammar that demands the learner must know the tenses, i.e., the present tense, past tense, and future tense. Chinese characters are not Chinese words.
In the kindergarden they teach us spanish and english, same during primary and in secondary they introduce french and latin, or with the new plan think that german and french..,
I don’t like polygots on RUclips saying you need to start speaking immediately. I personally found it intimidating and discouraging when speaking or texting with native/advanced speakers, because I did not understand the verb cases or advanced vocabulary/slang and also how to respond. So I preferred to learn more and then start speaking.
I totally agree man!!!
Same!!!:D
I’ve done some “language” exchanges recently with some Chinese women on Tandem and it was really just a cultural exchange because my Chinese is too basic. I enjoyed it but they’re the ones getting the language practice. It actually does motivate me to study more though so I can surprise them with new skills.
I agree, but there seem to be a contingent of polyglots on RUclips that take this idea too far, and discourage speaking for far too long after you start learning, sometimes more than six months. Not all languages need that long of an incubation period, and it may actually be counterproductive to wait that long. Learning to speak comfortably helps you read and listen, and vice-versa- these skills dont necessarily exist in a vacuum.
John Tyler as a polyglot, I can tell you that when they say “start speaking the language immediately”,they mean that it’s gonna help you adapt more on the pronunciation and how sentences works. For me it was the same, when I started learning new languages I used to talk with native speakers a lot but I didn’t really know all the words and verbs especially when it comes to hard grammar and vocabulary, but the thing that I’m trying to tell you and all the polyglot is that listening and speaking when you start,can give you a big push and help you get better,faster, I know its long 😂😂 but good luck 👍🍀.
Personally, I believe everyone's equally capable of learning a foreign language. It's just a matter of finding the methods that work best for you 🙏
I agree, after all we all already learned one our native.
Extroverts get their energy from being around other people, whereas introverts get their energy from being alone. Introverts have to take time to 'recharge their batteries' on their own, especially if they have been somewhere with a lot of people around them. That's exhausting for introverts. It's not so much about being shy as it is about being overwhelmed by a lot of people. I eventually realized that I am fine with one-on-one interactions, but I will not always have enough in common with every person to carry on an extended conversation.
I think it's important for introverts to understand this, because for years I felt shy and insecure about meeting new people, until I understood that I just don't like being in crowds. Paradoxically, I am fine in a setting where everyone is learning something or watching an event, because the focus is on something in particular. Hope that helps :)
This describes me perfectly!
Yup! Me too.
I never would've guessed that you were an introvert. I loved this video so much because I feel like this is one aspect of language learning that is never talked about. You always hear people say "just go out and talk to people" but it's not that easy. I mean, if I have a hard time talking to people in my native language, what makes you think I can do it in a language that I'm still learning.
Anyway, great video as usual!
As a fellow introvert, I just want to say: thanks for this empowering talk! It's nice to know I'm not the only one who prefers to learn in their social comfort zone during the beginning stages.☺️
So happy that this channel is skyrocketing. Congratulations
I know! He’s really hustling.
If im an introvert and i have a hard time having a conversation in my language then you best believe im going to have an even harder time in a different langauge. So i prefer learning and using my own resources before i go out and converse with others
You just described me. Spending time with other people can be very draining...
I agree: both introverts and extroverts can be good language learners. What can prevent you from getting better at a language is anxiety, and if speaking with native speakers when you are not ready causes you anxiety, then this might not be the best way to approach the language. Different people have different methods, different comfort zones and different tolerance to getting out of it.
I define myself as an introvert and I wanted to share this story if you are in for a long text.
I have been learning japanese for some years now. I started in high school by myself and later on I took classes on weekends. After finishing all the levels that the school offered I was feeling pretty confident with my japanese and a a couple of years after that, I was able to travel to Japan to keep learning japanese and for some language immersion. I was amazed that I was able to understand a lot when I first landed: I was able to order food, visit places, have fun, etc. But then reality hit when school started.
After they assesed my skills, they placed me on the lower intermediate level, so I got into a group where people already knew themselves for more than a year. Other introverts might understand the feeling of joining a class where groups are already stablished. I struggled a lot trying to make friends because even though I was able to understand a lot and talk about basic things, I didn't have the skills to joke around or talk about anything remotely interesting. This took me to a dark place in my head and this ended up in panic attacks and depression. I had to abort my 1 year mission and came back to my home country after 3 months fearing for my mental health. This indeed leveled up my japanese, but in the end I was more focused on keeping myself sane than on learning kanji and vocab...
On the flip side, I've been learning english almost my entire life and when the company where I work at asked me to travel for some training to Montreal, it was a breeze. I went out with my coworkers and left with some awesome memories. And on top of that, I felt my english pronunciation got a lot better! Man, I even threw in some french!
This is really inspiring. I love learning languages. I'm not a polyglot and I am an introvert. Being introvert actually helps me along the process of language learning. I also had in mind before that learning new language was difficult due to the fact that I don't usually talk with people, especially strangers. But self-paced learning with the aid of new technology, it's totally possible. In my personal experience, I also discovered that despite of my shyness and being reserved, I also have the ability to get along with people that shares the same interests with me, and especially if it's something I'm passionate about that I'd like to share and talk with people. And that's just it. I have become a leader in several organizations in the past 7 years, I have figured out how to preside/handle meetings or events for serious matters but seldom go for parties and social night events. It doesn't change the fact that I'm an introvert. That's just me. As introverts, we can go out of our comfort zone of solitude and socialize a bit, but not pushing too hard wishing that we become extroverts because it's really not a good idea. We can just embrace and celebrate our being introverts. And YES, we are capable and very good at learning new things, such as any new LANGUAGE. Thanks a lot sir Robin. Continue to inspire introverts, I hope I'll become fluent and polyglot like you someday. New subscriber here :) - Ram from the Philippines
Extraverts are good at small talk and in the beginning that is the only talk you can have anyway. But the deeper you go into the language, the more meaningful conversation you can have and that is when introverts start to shine.
I began learning Italian a year ago . I watched so many videos on RUclips, writing down buckets of stuff. Inadvertently learning vocabulary. Now I feel ready to LAUNCH myself, my toolbox is full of stuff, and I'm ready. My analogy ? A carpenter can't make things without the tools to do the job.
I feel for this. I’m introverted and scared to talk in foreign languages. Having over 10 years experience of learning Chinese, the last year Japanese and Korean, I found it quite disappointing not being able to be confident in speaking. So I decided to step out of my comfort zone. That’s embarrassing and frustrating, but at the same time I’m uplifted and even more inspired to continue learning.
Thank you for raising this topic.
As a person social anxiety I find it difficult to learn to speak well in a foreign language. I am totally fine with writing but when I have to speak I get stuck. I consider myself fluent in English but even when I try to speak, for example when I am in another country, my level just drops... Apart from that, I think it's absolutely possible to learn a language without having to talk to a lot of people. And I'm also pretty much ok with speaking to my tutor whenever I have one! It's the random people that I can't approach.
For me, when I tried to approach strangers to speak Tamil, there was an initial happy reaction that I was learning their lesser known language, but that quickly turned to awkwardness because I was not able to communicate naturally. It was uncomfortable for me, but probably also for them. There's also a limit to topics you can speak about with a stranger. Also, they were wayyyy more interested in the English language as most of them are working in the US and using English. So it makes much more sense to wait until getting to a higher level before speaking - otherwise it's easy to give up after a few bad experiences. Unfortunately, we're not praised for saying our 1st 200 words like toddlers are. It would be nice if we were. :-) Thank you for your videos. You're making a huge difference in a lot of people's lives including mine. ❤️
P.S. minimalistic plain white mug lol 😂 as a collector of coffee mugs I actually look forward to seeing which mug it will be today 😀
AHHHHH YOUR CHANNEL IS GROWING SO FAAAAAST AHHHH YOU'RE AMAZIIINNNGGGG
really can relate to this.......i am 57.......and i tried to be an extrovert most of my life.......but then i read the book "still" by susan caine......now i feel better and actually i am pleased to be an introvert.....when it comes to languages.....to me it seems( and i don`t want to offend anyone) that extroverts start to talk right from the beginning......making a lot of mistakes.....but they don`t seem to realise it and just go on......being an introvert, i want to learn the basics first.....it is like having a map when you visit a city
Exactly, Extroverts tend to be conscious about making mistakes while talking which makes them be perfecitionist and break down everything or prepare before doing something
And the thing is neither way is "wrong." They're just different approaches.
And if you delay speaking until you have a good grasp of the language, your pronunciation is much better.
I think it just makes sense to attain A LOT of input from the language before you even start engaging in conversations. I think of it as the building blocks to speaking.
Well guys don't get discouraged I am extremely introverted, one of my hobbies is learning languages and I speak 4 languages now without really talking and socializing with people... Internet helped me learn these languages a lot... Extroverts are no better than us at learning languages.
i think being an introvert makes it that much more challenging to socialize in a foreign language because most introverts really need to feel comfortable to relax and have a proper conversation. I can say from my experience living in a Japanese share house (really a dormitory) that extroverts have a huge advantage. Speaking ability, like many things, can feel like a popularity contest. As an introvert (usually) this seems a little unfair but it also makes sense. But if you've been hitting the books studying your butt off but some other guy is better looking or just funnier or louder or whatever, and more fun to talk to, then they're going to get the attention and have the better conversations and be perceived as more skilled. Because speaking involves a lot of things not just language knowledge.
Hey Paul! As always thanks for your thoughtful comment and sharing more of your experiences. I do have to say that disagree that someone who is just better looking/funnier/louder will have better conversations and be perceived as more skilled. But I don't mean that in a combative way and I think this is why it's so helpful to have these discussions!
I encountered a lot of other foreigners in Japan who were much more outgoing, louder, very eager to speak, and so on - many of whom didn't actually have terribly deep knowledge of Japanese language or culture (especially the latter).
My experience was that I ended up getting way, way, way more attention over time and built many more, much deeper real connections with Japanese people. I actually remember quite a lot of the more outgoing folks growing very frustrated over time that they were unable to make meaningful connections with Japanese people.
I actually became very curious about this and after talking to a lot of Japanese people about it at the time, they almost all identified that (1) they immediately recognized that my Japanese skills were far stronger than most people they encountered; (2) it was also immediately clear that I understood them as Japanese people much more deeply; (3) they liked that I never came across as showing off.
I've had a lot of experiences like this in a variety of languages. Sometimes they can be quite specific (the above story has some particularities to Japanese language and culture) but they're all wonderful and interesting experiences that are dear to me.
I found your RUclips channel this weekend and immediately subscribed. I’ve been trying to learn Mandarin Chinese on my own and I was thrilled with your videos about learning to speak primarily on your own! I am an introvert working from home during the pandemic. I don’t like dealing with people it makes me tired and stressed out.
All of the advice I’ve ever seen anywhere else has always said talk to people but talking to people is the scariest thing for me.
When I saw your video about the graded readers I ordered some for myself at breakthrough level. I have been dying for reading material that’s all I ever wanted do in my life is to really be able to read ALL the books!! I am hoping to learn Russian someday soon. Thank you for your wonderful videos I’m sorry this post has been so long!
I’d be on the other edge of the couch! Thanks for all your insight. It really spoke to me as an introvert. Your channel is taking off!! Much, much deserved! Tres heureuse pour toi!
Hello Robin, I hope You can keep doing a good works.🇧🇷
Introverts bad at languages??
tbh, I've often had the impression that it was the other way round.
I’m one of those that came to your channel because of that video, and have already binged watched a lot of your other vids 😆
I speak English and Spanish and have been learning Italian for 5 months and reached a level as to where I can watch content without English Subtitles. I also plan on starting to learn French next month.
Your video meant a lot to me because I largely learn everything by myself, just because I feel more comfortable that way; people often discourage me by saying that it’s not possible to learn a basic comprehension of anything by yourself.
Your energy attitude is my best friend, I am watching all your videos slowly digesting,they encourage me a lot to practice Hungarian and German at the same time
You’re great many thanks 💐
As a language teacher, I notice that extroverts tend to get it quicker than introverts. They understand that spoken language is a matter of "repetoire", not logic. But I think in the long run the introvert has the edge because they have the will to read, and obtain more rare vocabulary.
For most people, self studying, as you've suggested, is a better way to go, for most. Not just cuz people are introverts, but instead, there is a lot of pressure trying to speak from early on, even for extroverts.
I’m extremely extroverted....... in English...... in any other language I’m stuttering and sweating 🤣🤣🤣
For me it’s something similar. I sound childish in Spanish, but extroverted. In English I’m extroverted and kinda “mature”, and in Portuguese, I’m introverted but not super shy.
It’s really weird
You are an honest ambassador Robin. Your videos give so much honest inspiration. I agree about your approach. After the initial introductions where does one go from there ? It leads to possibly embarrassing situations. I believe you need a reasonable arsenal of words and phrases before " launching " yourself. Keep the videos coming , great work ! Thank you !
Thank you so much for this video! You expressed exactly what I feel so often!
Thank you for this - it’s great encouragement for me. It was also gratifying to see your immersion bubble videos; I had started “thinking out loud” (thank you 😉) in Spanish before that, and it was nice to know it wasn’t as weird as I might have thought. Starting to incorporate your other suggestions about that, and I love it. Very introverted myself, and it’s nice to hear this viewpoint.
Thanks for your words. You are such a kind human being teeling us we are normal
Ayo, what accent do you want bro?
Robin MacPherson: Yes
What about ancient languages? They're perfect for introverts: You have libraries of texts to read, learn about history and culture, but you never have to speak them! 😆 I think the language community on RUclips is not really fond of them. I'm German and have learned English, French and Spanish in school. In university, I've started to learn ancient languages. Now I can read Latin, Ancient Greek, Hebrew and Classical Syriac and currently work on Classical Armenian, a really beautiful language!
thank you so much for this. my major is french, i've been learning it for 2 years and to this day i haven't had a single conversation with a native speaker. i get anxious just by thinking about it due to the fact that i'm always comparing myself with my classmates.... and sometimes i do think perhaps i chose the wrong major because i'm not the most extroverted person out there, even though i really enjoy studying languages.. meh
I just met you a couple of days ago and I like your videos because I'm an introverted person too lol, great job !
Il est difficile de croire que tu es introverti, Robin. Je ressens une excellente positivité de votre part pendant que vous parlez et présentez votre vision du sujet. Et vos idées sont assez proche de la mienne, même si je ne me considère pas comme polyglotte. Salut.
Robin, please make a video or in other way share your tips (anyone reading this also feel free to share your tips and/or experience!) on how to make a debut at a polyglot conference as an introvert - what was your experience there? How to prepare yourself for being surrounded by other polyglots, some of them like you mentioned very outgoing, etc.
Thank you robin, its very useful. That's always happen in my life. Its quite difficult to find a partner for conversation. I enjoy seeing your video that makes me subscribe your Chanel...succses for you..
Hi everyone! *HAPPY MONDAY!* 🎈 I hope everyone has a wonderful new week ahead! If anyone wants to check out the two main videos I made on the details of my own process that inspired today's video:
*1. My first video on how I learn languages without talking to people:*
ruclips.net/video/QxHKkfbcRKQ/видео.html
*2. My follow-up where I discuss avoiding mistakes during this process:*
ruclips.net/video/X-Dj74TJoOI/видео.html
*3. My first & only proper conversation in Mandarin Chinese so far with Jake:*
ruclips.net/video/a9x7Vyv0XLc/видео.html
Glad I found your channel. You cover some very interesting topics. Subscribed!
ahhh this is so nice to hear!!
Hey Robin! I guess on one hand introverts talk less so maybe it would be harder to move the passive vocabs into active. On the other hand... we introverts have a bit less social life and therefore we have more inputs through studying haha! So... I don't know :-)
Robin, could u please make a video 'bout resources to learn a language? I really need it. I'm 16 and I think I'm a intermediate english but, I'm losing my motivation because of the struggles I've been going through, because I can't understand the english and its grammar and the reactive words, please help me!!! 🇧🇷
I study languages in order to acquire reading skills for literature, especially poetry. Having reading skills in a variety languages without speaking the skills, is that considered polyglottal?
Hello Robin, It's a second video that I have seen from you and I would never think that you were an introvert! Anyway, I agree that it's easier to talk with strangers if you know the basics, even more than the basics. It's so hard to speak your own language with strangers, how could one think that it would be comfortable to speak with strangers in a foreign language that we don't know quite well? Thank you for your videos. They are very good!
my friend said " if you want to be the better english speaker, you must talk to native speaker" I'm getting confused about it, because its' hard for me to looking for the friends from the other countries (fyi i'm bad at getting well with my friend as well). your videos helps me a lot to improve my speaking skill by myself. thanks to you
Great job!
Happy monday!!! a very interesting tip.... Entiendo que sea dificil para una aprendiz tratar de hablar en el idioma objetivo. Te hablaba de fonologia. Primero, ( creo ) es importante sentirse cómodo con los sonidos del lenguaje, conocer palabras y expresiones básicas. Después se pueden dar pequeños pasos. Intentar desde el principio puede ocasionar temor....
Being introvert does not make you worse at learning a language, it makes using what you have learned difficult. I know since I’m introverted my self living in german speaking country for 3 years now. English came easily to me, i have never really learned it, it just came sort of automatically. But german language is something else entirely, it’s harder or maybe im just getting older 🙃 After 3 years now im already ok, but would like to progress more... Would reading interesting books help me with that? I’m not really a guy with patience for learning grammar... Any tips on how to progress or on learning discipline?
In psychology, there are 8 intelligence types. One these types is language intelligence. You may have some of these more developed than the others. So, in my point of view, it has nothing to do with introversion/extroversion. I am an introvert and learning a foreign language is as much easy for me as to breath. Its just my brain is ,,designed" like that, I love languages and learning them its my biggest talent.
Most ppl i meet that are introverts live on electronics all day. Mainly to hide/distract themselves from reality (stress). And generally doing that all day (and avoiding the nature/sun) sucks away all your dopamine which gives you less motivation to talk or less motivation in general.
But i feel like anyone in general can learn a language if they put thier minds to it. Of course you will have to communicate. Life is all about making some sort of sacrifice.
i consider myself an introvert and i was above everyone else in my foreign language class, and i say this cause prof literally told me so. i know of a few other youtubers who've said they learned a language on their own first, before actually conversing with ppl. so if anything, introverts are prob better at it
I want this channel to hit a million subscribers by the end of this year. Or else...
loved this video ❤❤✨✨
I'm not at all surprised to hear you're an introvert
Thanx
I don't think that introverts are the worse language learners... they can be pretty good at reading, writing and listening; and maybe not so good at speaking if they feel uncomfortable to talk in a situation that the circumstance pushes you to be something that you aren't ( a super extrovert ). Many introverts don't like to small talk, or just don't know how to do it without feeling stupid 😪. Maybe if the other person have the right approach to start or conduct a conversation, they can be pretty talkative. As an introvert myself there were times I felt so comfortable that the talking was natural, without anxiety, and other situations where I stuttered and forgot words that I knew just because I was focussing my attention in other things or worried about ☹ (probably not a problem of introversion/extroversion but communication). You have to agree with me, introverts are the best people to have a good conversation sometimes 🙄.
I'm introvert
I miss my genius introvert friend
I like your video ,Thank you for your advice in the last video ( speeking alone in the language that you learn) , i am strugling with italian right now and i dont know anyone that speeks italian so your advice realy helps me.
I feel like an introvert but not all the time , sometimes i feel and act as an extrovert but inside of me i am more introvert than extrovert . i perfectly understand what you are saing , i feel that we two are similar. I have a problem intereact with unknown persons . Even so i"d like to attend a polyglot meeting.
I have a question for you From where you find out where are polyglot meetings ? i'd love to atend to such a meeting . I know that with the corona virus situation they are not such meetings. But after the corona situation things maybe will returt to the way it was befor.
I find it easier to be introverted as I learn Spanish because I can concentrate on learning instead of trying to talk to native speakers (unless my male cat decides he wants attention my "son" my "daughter" couldn't care less')
Sometimes introvert people are highly intelegent
Hii, Could you please suggest me best English Novels or English magazines to learn this language?
I have been reading "HARD TIMES" by CHARLES DICKENS but i found it really hard and difficult to understand.. :(
Thank youu
👍👍👍
What do you personally think is a basic fluency level if you have to put a number into it? B1?
I wouldn't know cos only now that I started learning a new language all by myself. I learned Chinese at a classroom environment (at first)
Dear Robin, could you please tell me what country you are from? And what language is your native? Thanks in advance
Chinese grammar doesn't have what English grammar that demands the learner must know the tenses, i.e., the present tense, past tense, and future tense. Chinese characters are not Chinese words.
Not sure,.. true is that in the school ¡ was bombed with langs and honestly ¡ thought that learnt no-one haha¡¡¡
In the kindergarden they teach us spanish and english, same during primary and in secondary they introduce french and latin, or with the new plan think that german and french..,
And in the university finantial english but ¡ scored maximum qualification so no problem,..
We am not badder at word using.
Sir please use simple words I don't understand you 😪
Do you ever sleep?
Does he look tired to you?😅
台湾的便当很好吃啊