Does the idea of trying to talk with strangers at a party or crowded bar fill you with dread? Me too. For the longest time, I thought being an introvert put me at a disadvantage when it came to improving my language skills. I had a roommate who learned how to speak phenomenal Russian because she was so outgoing and chatty. She could (and often did) start a conversation with anyone she ran into, and her weekends were always full of dinner plans and party invitations. I would often feel frustrated with myself because it was hard for me to do that. However, I eventually learned that speaking with strangers isn’t the only way to learn a language. Language learning for introverts looks a little different, but we have some tendencies that lend themselves to language learning pretty well.

Spend time listening

Although speaking usually gets the most attention, that’s only one language skill you’ll want to develop. Listening is an incredible important part of language learning, and it’s something that introverts are very good at. After all, how can you speak if you don’t understand what someone is saying to you? If striking up a conversation someone you don’t know sounds intimidating, try instead to listen to a nearby conversations while you people watch (yes, this is technically eavesdropping, but it’s ok when it’s language practice 😊). Plus, it’s useful to listen to how native speakers interact with one another out in the real world. When you’re at home, try watching local TV or listening to something on the radio. It’s much easier to find these things while you’re abroad, and if you find something you like you can stick with it after you return home.

Read everything

Another underrated part of language learning that’s both critically important and great practice for introverts is reading. When you’re overseas you’ll be immersed in not only the spoken language, but the written language. It will be much easier to find books and magazines, so be sure to stop by a bookstore and see what catches your eye. When you are reading though, try to resist the urge to look up every word you don’t know. Your goal should be to look up the fewest words possible. This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s more useful to focus on understanding phrases instead of each individual word. When you read a sentence, try and identify the most important words, then look those up. You’ll then be able to put these pieces together to understand the whole phrase.

Don’t forget that there are plenty of other things out there to read too. Street signs, store signs, flyers, menu specials – read them all. One of my favorite things to do is read the ads on public transportation. There are always ads on the inside of buses and on subway train platforms, and the words are usually simple. There are usually pictures along with the text that provide some useful hints for words you don’t know too. Not only it is a good way to learn new vocabulary, but you might end up reading some useful information (like it’s Free Admission Day at the art museum next week).

Turn some everyday tasks into language practice

Finding something small that you need to do regularly, whether it’s doing laundry or running errands, is a low-pressure way for introverts to use their language skills in everyday situations. When I first moved to Russia, I decided to do all of my grocery shopping in Russian. Every few days I would write out all my shopping lists in Russian, and while I would walk around the store I would try to narrate in my head what I was doing. If I didn’t know how to phrase something or came across a word I didn’t know, I would make a note in my phone and look it up when I got home.

After a while I felt fairly comfortable with my grocery store vocabulary, so I stepped up my language practice. I started asking employee where something was or if they had something, even if I already knew. These were pretty simple questions, but having these interactions made me feel like I could finally use my Russian out in the real world.

Become a regular

If you do want to interact with some locals, become a regular at a place where they sell food or beverages. You’ll have to order something, which means that you’ll have to talk with someone while you’re there. These interactions are usually predictable, with specific questions and vocabulary that always come up. Also, there are usually a small number of people that work at these places. You’re more likely to run into the same people over and over. After a while, you’ll start recognizing one another and it won’t feel as intimidating to start a conversation.

When I studied abroad, I stopped at the same bakery once or twice a week. There was a fruit pastry that I liked, and I wanted to try all the different flavors they had. One day, I stopped by after class and ordered a peach pastry. The woman behind the counter said I had already tried that and recommended a black currant one instead. I was a little surprised, but I had been there enough times that she recognized me. After that, we would always say hello to each other when she was working and chat a little bit. Even though our interactions weren’t that complicated, it was a huge boost to my confidence knowing I was talking with a native speaker outside of class.

Take time to recharge

You want to make the most of your time overseas, but don’t feel guilty about taking a break to recharge. Splitting your time class, excursions, homework, and time with your roommates or host family can be draining. On top of that, speaking a different language for the entire day is really exhausting. Taking that time for yourself is just as important to your language learning as anything else.

Language learning isn’t just for extroverts. There are plenty of great ways for introverts to practice their language skills, and hopefully this gives you some ideas. Do you have any other language-learning tips or tricks for your fellow introverts? Feel free to share in the comments!