Can introverts learn foreign languages?

"What is the best way to learn a foreign language?" people ask me, knowing that I am a language nerd.  If I only had a foolproof answer to that question!

I look at every piece of advice offered about language learning in books and magazines and online. One of the most common suggestions is to begin engaging in conversations with native speakers of the language. Who could argue with that?  Sounds like a no-brainer, right?  But what if you are an introvert?

Introverts are often accused of being shy, unfriendly, and antisocial. Oh, how misunderstood we are! Several good books have come out recently in defense of introversion.

I don't think introversion needs more defense on my part, maybe just a little understanding by the extroverts in the world who get so energized by conversation.  This is the issue:  introverts do not enjoy making small talk!  Small talk drains their energy, just like a cellphone battery loses energy when engaged. 

So you can see the dilemma the introverted language learner faces.  It would be great to strike up conversations with those who speak the new language.  Every conversation will be a mini language lesson. But the conversations will of necessity be small talk.  New language learners don't have the grammar or vocabulary to go into very deep subjects!  

For example, one suggestion I read recently was for the new language learner to ask people on the street what time it is (whether you really need to know the time or not) just for language practice. I can't see myself asking a stranger on the street about anything in any language!  It would make me very uncomfortable.  

So what is the introverted language learner to do? After all,  having conversations is definitely a way to expand language proficiency.  Here are three suggestions for fellow introverts:

* Realize that short conversation exchanges in the new language are good for you, and consider them the same way you would a shot of antibiotics at the doctor's office - not pleasant, but suffered for a good cause.

* Find another introverted person to practice the new language with.  Maybe you can even set a time limit so you both will know that the  small talk will end soon.

* Write more emails and text messages in the new language.  Emails and texts are not exactly like face to face conversations, but they generally use informal language.  And you have a chance to think about what you are saying!

Yes, of course introverts can learn foreign languages.  We can focus well on new information, we are persistent, and we are creative, all necessary character traits for successful language learning.  We just have to find our own ways of learning language.