Most researchers advocate that language involves the communication
of meaning. It was this idea that brought forward the communicative approach in
language learning. This approach gives special emphasis to communication and
speaking in the foreign language, ideally from day one. Some of us, though, are shy. Some of us are not
comfortable talking with people we don’t know, let alone talking with people
from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and using another language
for that matter.
So what do we do? Here are a few tips for shy language
lovers:
#1 BEING SHY IS OKAY
First of all, we should bear in mind that being shy is
not something intrinsically bad. This is who we are and we are not obliged to
change if we don’t want to in order to conform to a cultural ideal. Besides,
while some language learners are extroverts and talkative, and are learning new
languages with the aim of communicating with people, others, more scholarly
types, learn a language in order to focus more on literature or translation. Each
motive is legitimate in its own right.
#2 PUSHING YOURSELF WILL ONLY MAKE MATTERS WORSE
I don’t think it’s a good idea to push ourselves to speak
in a new language if we don’t feel comfortable. After all, I believe that our
shyness is not connected to our language learning. We can learn a language and still be shy, right? Besides, some
people just need more time in order to develop oral communication skills. If
you are in a language class, try to explain to your professor that you need
your own pace. Your professor should respect your learning style and needs.
#3 COMMUNICATING ONLINE CAN BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE
Language learning cannot transform shy people into
extrovert language learners. However, shy language learners who nevertheless
enjoy social media can opt for alternative communicative settings in order to
practise the language they are learning. For example, they can join online
conversations, e.g. a forum discussion. This way they will be able to use their
new language in a safer setting. Besides, shy language lovers can always use their
new language in a great number of situations, from reading and translating
novels to enjoying films, exchanging emails or exploring a new academic
interest. There is no rule saying that shy people should avoid learning new
languages.
Thanks for reading and good luck with your language
learning!
