Personality and Language Learning

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a widely-used test of "personality." Personality has been identified as a factor for the "good" language learner, language learning in general, as well as "selection" of learning strategies by a learner. After taking the Jung Typology Test (similar to the MBTI), I was not surprised by the outcome, especially having taken other "strengths" tests in the past. My personality is Extrovert, Sensing, Thinking, Judging (ESTJ), in which Extrovert is a high strength (89%) and the remainder are all moderate.

Ehrman's chapter in Lessons form Good Language Learners presents a study that identifies the personality type that is most advantageous for achieving a Level 4 in the FSI categorization (which is quite high proficiency). The results indicate that Introvert, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging (INTJ) was the most conducive to high proficiency achievement in language learning. Additionally, Ehrman points out that Extrovert, and more specifically Extrovert Sensing, is not a feature that is characteristic of high proficiency learners. Additionally, while Thinking is common in these learners, it is its combination with Introversion and Intuition that makes these learners well-equipped for language learning.

Comparing Ehrman's data to my own "personality," I am quite disappointed. I always thought myself to be a decent, if not good, language learner. Though, it would seem according to Ehrman, that I am not equipped for achieving high levels of proficiency (again, I would beg to differ). The one language that I would claim high proficiency (besides my L1), would be my L2, Spanish. However, unlike the participants of Ehrman's study, I started learning my L2 before adulthood. The Critical Period effect may well play a role here, or perhaps I am an exception. I do not think that my outcome on the Jung Typology Tests are wrong, as a matter of fact, I would have expected those results had I known the exact categories beforehand.

Ehrman suggests some ways teachers can encourage (ESTJ learners like myself) to become more introverted and intuitive when it comes to language learning. While I think these may be helpful in some situation, to some learners, all learners learn differently. As evidenced by the strategies we employ, learners vary and it could be harmful to impose different ways of learning or thinking about language if it is not compatible with a student's preferred strategy/style.