Social Dynamics and Language Learning: Do Extroverts Excel in L2 Acquisition? An Analysis through the Lens of Interactionism Theory

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between social dynamics and second language acquisition, with a specific emphasis on whether extroverts surpass in learning English as a second language more efficiently and effectively than introverts. Moreover, the research is grounded in the Interactionism theory by Lev Vygotsky (1962) which states that language development is hugely determined by social and cultural communication and interaction. So, this study examines whether the personality traits such as being extrovert affect learner’s engagement to learn language more efficiently by socially interacting with other people or not. For this purpose, students of the BS English department of Army Burn Hall College for Girls, Abbottabad were selected as the participants to share their views through a mixed-method approach. A structured questionnaire was designed to gather insights from the students. Results for the close-ended questions have been shown through graphs whereas thematic analysis has been done for open-ended questions. The findings revealed that though ESL learners face many challenges during social meet-ups they still learn vocabulary, pronunciation, confidence, fluency, etc.