One thing I want to shout from the rooftops about language learning? That we all learn differently. With that said, it’s useful to know yourself & your language learning personality to help you create better language study that fits you.

Before we get started, you can enjoy this episode in the way you prefer. We’ve got a video version and the podcast below. So pick your place and let’s go!

The Video

The Podcast

Is your Myers-Briggs result in your Instagram bio? Do you ask people’s Enneagram before their name? This is for you.

But even if you don’t know what the heck an Enneagram is, it’s still for you.

Because knowing more about who we are helps us understand how we work best.

And given that a core foundation of my work teaching you how to learn languages is centring yourself, it does kinda help when you know yourself.

However, much like our fuller personalities (as in not just language related!), we’re multiple.

We’re never just one thing.

And at times, we may float towards one tendency when we’ve previously been more aligned with another. This is totally normal!

Humans grow, change, and are dynamic. We don’t stand still – which means your language learning likely doesn’t stand still either!

So as useful as it is to find the aspects you relate to the most, I really encourage you not to overidentify with any particular aspect(s).

Why? Because when we over-identify, this can inhibit us moving forward. For example, how many times have you heard someone say “Oh, I can’t dance. I’ve got two left feet.”

Or “Learn French?! I’d love to but I’m not a language person!”

When we over-identify with these sorts of labels, we limit ourselves by closing off potential new experiences.

So it’s always worth remembering that knowing this stuff helps us to better adjust our language learning routines, resources and habits. However, it’s also fun to be open-minded about experimenting with things that don’t typically ‘fit’ with our language learning personalities.

I’ve divided the language learning personality into four core areas. You’ll likely align more with one than the other from each, giving you a well-rounded idea of your overall language learning personality.

For example, you could be a Devotee + Solo Studier + Dab Hand + Magpie.

Knowing this then helps you play to your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

Ready? Have a read below and decide what makes the most sense for you!

What’s Your Language Learning Personality?

Language Devotee or Dabbler?

The (One Language) Devotee

There’s only ever been one foreign language that’s had your heart. And that works for you!

You’re totally devoted to learning that language to the highest, deepest, most intimate level.

This means you’ve got great potential to be super laser-focused with what you do and how you spend your time to learn this language.

The (Lemme At ‘Em) Dabbler

It started small, right? A bit of Spanish in school, a weekend dipping into Duolingo Japanese there.

Before you could say “7000 languages”, you’ve got multiple languages on the go and you’re stressing out daily about how to maintain them all. Phew.

Often the Dabbler’s biggest struggle is balance and making time for all the languages you want to learn. Too many languages, not enough time, right?

The beauty of being a Dabbler, however, is that you are open to exploring, which can help you to keep going with languages when things get difficult.

Solo or Community?

The Solo Studier

You’ve never needed anyone else along your language journey. Sure, you speak with tutors or others when you need to, but it’s not your preferred way to learn a language.

This doesn’t mean that you necessarily lack confidence speaking or listening in real life situations. Instead, it means you’re better at studying solo.

And you know the huge plus there? Lots of internal motivation to get stuff done and keep making progress.

The Community Craver

You love learning languages for one big reason…PEOPLE!

A lover of connecting with others through language, speaking is usually a priority for Community Cravers. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy, and there’ll be times when the words don’t come, but getting out there to practice isn’t usually your problem.

Solo studying isn’t your favourite. You thrive in group settings and learning from others. When it comes to lessons, meet-ups and exchanges, for you, the more the merrier!

Newbie or Not Your First Rodeo?

The Raring-To-Go Getter

When you’re learning a language for the first time, there’s no better time than now to learn how to learn a language. You’ll avoid all the mistakes so many of us make.

I know it’s tempting in the early stages to put your everything into a language, but we want to avoid burnout and overwhelm.

Instead – learn to focus that time and energy on building a steady pace you can keep up with. You’ll be setting yourself up for much more sustainable language learning for the long term.

The Dab Hand

This isn’t your first rodeo. You’ve learnt a few languages in your time, or you’ve had many-a-year learning this one. Either way, you’ve got a good grip on your language learning.

You usually know what you’re doing and how to do it. Of course, sometimes confidence dips and imposter syndrome creeps in, but stay strong. Remind yourself of your experience.

Remember – as experienced as you may be with learning languages, stay open-minded to trying new methods and tools (and languages!). There’s always more to learn.

Magpie or Minimalist?

The Magpie

Hoard all the resources! Much like a magpie, you’re one for shiny objects and are drawn to all and any resource that crosses your line of vision.

The advantage here is that you’ll always have something to use and rarely get bored.

However, sometimes you can feel overwhelmed by all the things you could be doing that it’s hard to focus on what you’re actually doing.

The Minimalist

You like to keep it simple with one or two core resources at a time. Ahh, that’s better.

You love efficiency and well-organised notes. In fact, you’re a pro at planning. Sometimes you get curious if you’re missing out, but generally the FOMO stays at bay.

The big advantage for the Minimalist is that you can really focus and take things much deeper with your resources. No superficial surface level stuff for you, nope.

How to Make Your Language Learning Personality Work For You

How do these factors combine for you? Now you have an idea of how things look for you, we can adjust your language learning patterns to best suit you.

How (One Language) Devotees Learn Languages

For you, it’s all about one (or maybe two!) core languages. You’re not fussed about quantity – you’re all about quality.

However, without another language to distract you and act as a break from studying another, burnout can be all too easy.

To help avoid this, make sure that you’re mixing up your activities, resources, and perhaps even study routine. Inject lots of fun and be sure to search for music in the language. Film can also work well as a fun resource too.

How Language Dabblers Learn Languages

The biggest struggle dabblers face is feeling like if they’re spending time with one language then they’re not spending enough time and attention on the other 17 they want to learn right now. The struggle is real!

So…how to avoid drowning in a sea of languages that you never quite learn?

It’s simple: plan your balance.

Learning Spanish to B2 before you begin studying Italian just won’t cut it for you.

So instead, you have to figure out what balance looks like for you.

For example, perhaps Spanish is your priority, you’d like to pick up some Italian alongside that, and you’re curious about Tamil.

In this example, Spanish would be the language you typically spend most time with. It’s also the one you do first.

Then Italian and Tamil become buffers – breaks to separate all that Spanish!

I also find that depending on my goals & levels in a language, what I do and the ratio that gets in my full language picture changes.

How Solo Studiers Learn Languages

Sure, you understand languages = people. You don’t mind lessons or classes, but most of your learning happens solo.

(I’m raising a glass to the independent language learners right now – that’s you!)

Don’t let the cries of “Book a lesson! Book a lesson!” get to you. If you know that the majority of your learning happens best solo, do that.

How Community Cravers Learn Languages

You can study solo, but you just absolutely thrive in a community setting – so embrace that.

Book the lessons, join the language exchanges, find the study buddies!

Even when activities are primarily solo, there’s plenty of ways to make things more communal.

For example, once you’ve worked on a writing prompt, try sharing a spoken recording go it on social media.

How Raring-to-Go Getters Learn Languages

Welcome, Language Learning Newbie!

You are in a wonderful position here because I’m about to save you so much wasted time.

The tendency is to tentatively follow along the course/book/app you pick and not daring to step off that path.

Well, I give you permission to take charge and mix up your learning!

Start by reading this blog article (there’s a podcast version too if you prefer). You’ll learn the best language learning advice I have to offer.

How Dab Hands Learn Languages

It’s all too easy when you’ve been learning languages for a while to think you know it all. Admit it – it is! I’ve felt it too. It’s totally normal.

Well, today I give you permission to try something new. Mix things up. Explore a new language.

Through this process, not only will you be giving yourself time to settle things you’ve recently learnt, but you also might find your new favourite thing!

How Magpies Learn Languages

The temptation is to grab another resource, buy another app subscription, get another course.

This doesn’t always work in your favour. Sometimes you end up overwhelmed with choice of things you could do, that you end up doing nothing.

Instead, try spending one week with just one resource. How can you expand what you can do with it creatively?

I recommend 100 Creative Ideas for Solo Language Learners if you relate to this.

How Minimalists Learn Languages

You already thrive working with less resources.

So, my question to you is this:

Are you making the most of them?

The risk for Minimalists ends up being the same as Magpies. You’re using few resources, but how creatively are you using them?

100 Creative Ideas for Solo Language Learners will help spice things up a little.