I'm very introvert but I have never seen it as an obstacle to learning a language, I don't even understand what the problem is all about. It's not like you have to go around and chat to random strangers to learn a language, or talk in that language to anyone and everyone whenever you get a chance. You just have to find one or two trusted people that you talk to in that language and that's enough. That's how it has worked for me. Strangers are only good for asking directions and other information you need. Besides, I sometimes feel more free when I speak a language I am not too good at, because if I say something stupid, I count on people putting it down to my lack of language skills. I find my habit of speaking accurately a great advantage when trying to express myself in a language I have limited knowledge of. I also can't see anything wrong with thinking before I speak. Anyway, I like being an introvert and couldn't imagine myself any other way. I get baffled when people talk about it as something you need to get rid of.

Hello. I agree with Katarina. I'm introvert too, but when I'm abroad or happen to talk to a foreigner - I become an extrovert for a moment. Even the people who know me well are surprised seeing me in such situations. When I see that the person understands what I'm saying, I'm so happy that I would tell him or her everything. And I start to talk making a lot of mistakes, forget the grammar rules (yes I hope, the other person would understand that I'm a foreigner so I HAVE RIGHTS to make mistakes). 

It is in contrast with my normal personality. Normally I am the one who is sitting silent in a group of talking people. And when I go to public places I almost never say anything to anybody unless I'm asked. When I go to the fast-food bar I choose to use an automatic cashier / ordering system. While being in my country I'm convinced that I have nothing interesting to say and nobody would like to listen to me.

It changes when I'm abroad... but on vacations only. It happened that I attended a professional course in the UK... and among the people who shared the same profession with me - I felt like I usually feel in my country - and I said no word to anybody. I was afraid to be considered worse educated, stupid, ... (and my indermediate level wasn't an excuse this time - I understand practically everything what deals with my profession, but speaking fluently about it - is not so easy).

And one more thing - about talking to strangers... You don't know the person and there is little probability that you meet him/her again - so don't be affraid that you say something stupid. And I agree with one of the things Tatiana said - I don't like to waste people's time, especially when I see (or guess) that I'm the only person who benefits from the conversation.

I see you are the perfectionist in everything. But you may convince yourself that being a bit imperfect at foreign language sometimes allows you to use it at all.

Hi Tatiana !

I'm an introvert myself and I guess the best way to improve is of course to talk - alone or with someone you feel confortable talking to begin with. That's not so easy to find, but maybe you can start with someone who does not know very well the language you study, it can help lower the pressure because you won't be afraid to make mistakes and it could make you feel like you can talk despite your nature.

Then, I think making mistakes is a way of learning - as long as you are aware of it and correct them. One of the hardest thing is to let go of the "I'll sound weird" or "I might say somethign wrong", it's complicated, but as they say, the one who never do something wrong, never learn from it as well as those who never ask questions stay "stupid" all their life instead of sounding stupid for a few minutes. (I don't like asking questions or making mistakes but actually it's very important in my opinion and I'm trying to change that.)

As for concrete efficient ways to master a language, I'd say that you should read articles, at least one per day to add vocabulary and new phrases to your own intern database (haha). You should.. hm... maybe make lists of words for different areas, but I guess the first things to do would be to master the most important grammar points and do exercises. I know, this is obvious, sorry for this, haha, but actually there are lots of ways to improve thanks to internet ressources : podcasts, etc...

I've been learning English for years now, though I've stopped for a looong while and I'd like to reach a level I've never got. What's the language you want to master, if you don't mind me asking ? :)

Good luck, you can do it !

Anaïs

Tanya, are you an introvert? I had no idea about it to be honest.

It is for me like...

- Hi, all! My name is Tatiana and I am ... an introvert.

- Hello, Tatiana! Would you tell us your story? How long have you had it?

Though... I must confess. I am an introvert too. Due to that I hate skyping for instance. Two total strangers are on their computers... What are they talking about? What are their topics? The weather? The cultural features? Politics maybe? IDK. I guess I would keep uncomfortable silence as in "Criminal fiction" and nothing more.

So books, web-sites, movies, songs - that is all what we, introverts, have on us.

I'm sure that every introvert lives in his own world (parallel Universe) where common rules and interests don't work and that's why it's so difficult to find your self in society. Best way is only to find other folks like you and go away.  Just came to mind the song "Зоопарк" of Гражданская Оборона. :D

      Я ищу таких,как я,

       Сумасшедших и смешных,

         сумасшедших и больных

       А когда я их найду-

       Мы уйдём отсюда прочь,

         мы уйдём отсюда в ночь-

      МЫ УЙДЁМ ИЗ ЗООПАРКА!