How much does personality influence when learning a language?

Character and personality not only influence personal tastes, but also language learning skills. A study carried out on more than 1,000 Spanish speakers by the language course platform Preply revealed a strong connection between different personality types and level of proficiency in learning a second language.

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There are people who have greater agility in learning a new language, while others may find learning more challenging, even if they try their best.

The study, carried out in September 2024, with a sample of 1,000 students, aimed to explore the 16 personality types of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)a personality assessment tool widely used in human resources, group dynamics, personal development and the educational field, influence language learning.

Based on this indicator, Preply analyzed in detail how people, depending on their personality, perform in different linguistic skills. So it was highlighted that those who have the most difficulties are practical and very action-oriented people who enjoy solving problems.

Within the category of “diplomats”, which are profiles that have the most intuitive (N) and sentimental (F) personalities, there is the “protagonist” profile (ENFJ), which occupies first place in the general learning ranking of languages. It is an extroverted and charismatic profile, which allows you, as the study reflects, to have a better oral and written understanding of the language.

It should be noted that the MBTI test explores the 16 personalities based on four dichotomies: extraversion, introversion, sensation/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judgment/perception. For example, a person with the INFJ (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging) personality type tends to be introspective, idealistic, empathetic, and organized, while someone with the ESTP (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving) type tends to be practical. , energetic and adaptable.

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Which personality learns the fastest?

The students who have the easiest time learning languages ​​are those who fit within the personalities “protagonist” (ENFJ) mentioned above, “commander” (ENTJ) profiles endowed with natural confidence, extroverted and who enjoy having conversations and “innovative” (ENTP) analytical, extroverted people with great interest in learning.

On the other hand, those who show the most difficulties when learning a new language are those who are classified as: “virtuous” (ISTP) practical and very action-oriented people, who enjoy solving problems “adventurous” (ISFP) people creative, sensitive and spontaneous and “entrepreneurs” (ESTP), highly intelligent profiles who like competition.

listening comprehension,

The personality “logic” (INTP) is the one with the best reading comprehension when learning a new language, although it falls off the podium as far as the general average is concerned. The reasons behind this, explains Professor Alison Mackey, chair of the Department of Linguistics at Georgetown University, are that “the study of grammar and writing rules through books, applications or discussions with tutors allows the student to carry the rhythm of grammar focus on details of the language.”

“The connection between the 16 Personalities Test (MBTI) and language learning lies in how different personality types can approach the learning process, especially in terms of communication preferences, study habits and interaction with others. The MBTI framework suggests that individuals’ personality traits influence how they engage with new knowledge and tasks, which may extend to language acquisition.“Mackey commented.

Additionally, although it can be discouraging to belong to a group with more difficulties in learning languages, personality type does not have to define your learning path.

According to Miranda Justo-Núñez, clinical psychologist, “A key factor on which the 16 personalities test is based is ‘identity’, which speaks of the confidence we have in our abilities and decisions. Some personality types are more self-conscious and perfectionist, which can lead them to undervalue their abilities compared to more assertive types, despite being just as competent..”

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