What Your Enneagram Number Says About How You Should Learn Spanish

In this post: Discover what your Enneagram type reveals about the best Spanish learning techniques and strategies for you. 

What secrets does the Enneagram hold for your Spanish learning? If you’ve been asking that question, you are not alone! 

It turns out that many Spanish learners I’ve worked with are excited about combining their interests in self-discovery and personal development with their language learning. And that often means diving into the exciting world of Enneagram types. 

When it comes to Spanish learning--or just life in general, I believe the Enneagram is much more than a personality typology.  It’s an incredible window into who we are and how we approach the world.

Looking into these types can tell you a lot about people and help you understand yourself.  It’s the kind of self-discovery that can help you face your deepest fears--or even find out what kind of learner you are. 

In today’s post, I’m inviting you to explore how your Enneagram type can shape and refine your approach to Spanish, transforming it into an experience that perfectly syncs with who you are.

Whatever your Enneagram type, you’ll leave here today with some actionable and aligned new language learning strategies that probably never occurred to you before. 

While reading this post, consider these questions:

• What ways of understanding yourself more deeply are you already used to? Zodiac? Myers-Brigs profiles? 

• Do you normally try to align how you live and learn with who you are? 

• Does your Spanish learning currently feel like it’s compatible with your personality type and your learning style?

Understanding the Enneagram: What’s your type? 

The Enneagram of Personality Types combine to form an intricate system of self-discovery and personal growth that categorizes our diverse personalities into nine types based on the interplay of mental, emotional, and intuitive intelligence centers​.

Its origins go back to a mix of ancient wisdom traditions, but the Enneagram Institute credits Bolivian native Oscar Ichazo with first crafting the concept. 

There is a wealth of information on this topic, but one of my favorite go-to modern-day resources on all things Enneagram is Abbey Howe’s YouTube channel.  Howe also has a website that dives into all things Enneagram. 

And if you’re new to the system and wondering what all the fuss is about, the way Howe describes her first experience with discovering her type resonated with me:

“The first time I read the description of my Enneagram type, I felt like someone had reached inside my brain and yanked out my scariest, most vulnerable thoughts. All the parts of myself that made zero sense suddenly became clear.”--Abbey Howe

You’ll find many online resources with typing guides, including Howe’s online version.  You can even take an Enneagram test in Spanish at Enneagram Personality. Or you can simply read on and discover the 9 Enneagram types and see which personality styles and language learning approaches resonate the most with you. 

Keep in mind as you explore the Enneagram types on your own that there can be different names for the types depending on who is describing them, but the basic number system remains the same. 

Decoding the Enneagram: Discover Your Spanish Learning Style 

And now, with no further ado--let’s dive into the world of Enneagram typology and discover what wisdom your type holds when it comes to aligning your Spanish learning with your deepest self. 

Enneagram Type 1: The Perfectionist  

Are you rational, principled, and always striving for integrity? Then, you might be a perfectionist. If this is your type, you can capitalize on your strong sense of right and wrong and aim for perfection.

What might Spanish Learning look like for you? Try these:

• Structured Lessons: Look for courses with well-defined goals and a systematic approach.  Seeing clear progress toward Spanish learning milestones will keep you motivated. 

• Regular Self-Assessment: Work with your type’s strengths by using smart and consistent self-evaluation practices or even taking official Spanish exams to keep track of your progress and identify areas for improvement.

• Join Ethical Debates in Spanish: You’ve got a feeling for what’s right--and what isn’t. Channel that energy into discussions or debates on ethical topics in Spanish and enhance your Spanish communication skills. 

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Enneagram Type 2: The Helper  

You’re caring, interpersonal, and generous.  You may often find yourself putting others' needs first. So naturally, you’ll want to use strategies that tap into your strengths when it comes to relationships and empathy.

A few Spanish learning strategies for Helpers:

• Language Exchange: Partner with a Spanish speaker seeking to learn your native language and align your Spanish learning with your helping nature.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Look for places where you can lend a hand and speak Spanish simultaneously. 

• Emotional Vocabulary: Focus on learning vocabulary that expresses emotions and feelings, enhancing your ability to connect with others in Spanish.

• Group Classes: Seek out supportive and collaborative group Spanish classes.  Hint-look for the right Spanish teacher instead of the right topic or level.  

Enneagram Type 3: The Achiever  

Does this sound like you?  You’re success-oriented and driven; you love setting and achieving goals. You know how to adapt and tend to keep tabs on the way you appear to others.

Then you might want to try out some language learning strategies for Achievers:

• Goal-Setting: Set clear, measurable milestones for your Spanish learning.

• Performance-Based Activities: Look for learning activities that allow you to demonstrate your Spanish skills like, for example, preparing for a test like the DELE Exam.

• Career-Related Spanish: Focus on learning Spanish vocabulary and phrases relevant to your professional field to tie your language learning to career success.

Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist  

Known for their sensitivity, creativity, and strong sense of identity, individualists often feel different from others and embrace their uniqueness.

A few Spanish learning strategies that will appeal to Individualists are :

• Creative Writing: Tap into your creative side with poems, short stories, or journal entries in Spanish.

• Cultural Exploration: Seek inspiration in Spanish-speaking countries' literature, music, and art to connect deeply with the language and culture.

• Personalized Learning Path: Choose learning materials and courses that allow you to express your individuality and cater to your unique interests.

• Emotionally Expressive Speaking Practice: Engage in conversations or storytelling in Spanish that allows you to express your inner world and emotions.

Enneagram Type 5: The Investigator 

Do you ever find yourself detaching just a bit emotionally or stepping back to gain perspective into the world around you? As an Investigator, you are naturally analytical, curious, eager to learn, and highly independent.

Here are some Spanish learning approaches tailored to the Investigators out there:

• Self-study: Take advantage of resources for independent study that will allow you to learn at your own pace and explore subjects you’re passionate about.

• Technical Vocabulary: Do you have an area of personal interest? Consider taking a deep dive on that topic--and learn all about the specialized vocabulary that goes with it. 

• Logical Problem Solving--in Spanish: Think of the kind of analytical, thinking, and problem-solving games you love in English. Puzzles, brain teasers, you name it. They exist in Spanish as well!

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Enneagram Type 6: The Loyalist  

Reliable and responsible, Loyalists place a high value on security. If you’re a Loyalist, you may be cautious and prepared for every scenario.  When the unexpected happens, people are usually glad to have you around. 

Here are some Spanish learning strategies just for Loyalists:

• Structured Learning Environment: You’ll thrive with structured courses with predictable patterns and clear expectations.

• Safety Net Practices: Practice conversations in a safe, supportive environment before venturing into real-world Spanish interactions.

• Plan Ahead for Speaking Situations: To build confidence, prepare for various real-life scenarios, from ordering food to asking for directions.

Enneagram Type 7: The Enthusiast  

If you’re energetic, optimistic, and always looking for new experiences, you may just be an Enthusiast! Oh, and I almost forgot, you’ll probably be interested in keeping your options open. 

Spanish learning strategies for Enthusiasts:

• Diverse Learning Resources: Mix things up and keep your language learning interesting with various tools. Consider apps, books, games at your local community center, Netflix series, and Spanish language podcasts.

• Travel and Language Learning: Tap into your adventurous side with a Spanish immersion program to Mexico or another Latin American country, or simply pick up and travel alone!

• Interactive and Fun Activities: Participate in fun, interactive community activities such as Spanish language clubs, dance classes, or cooking courses. 

• Spontaneous Speaking Practice: Tap into your spontaneous side, start conversations whenever you can, and enjoy the thrill of unexpected learning moments.

Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger  

If you’re a Challenger, you will likely be confident, strong, and assertive, a natural leader who seeks control and independence. You prefer direct communication and aren’t afraid to occasionally get into power dynamics! 

Among your strengths, you’re protective of those close to you and incredibly resourceful.

Spanish Learning Strategies for Challenger Types:

• Debate and Discussion: Engage in debates or challenging discussions in Spanish to sharpen your language skills under pressure.

• Leadership Roles in Group Settings: Take on leadership roles in language study groups or clubs, coordinating activities or guiding discussions.

• Intensive Courses: Enroll in intensive Spanish courses that challenge your abilities and push you to learn quickly.

Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker

You guessed it: Peacemakers are easygoing, reassuring, and agreeable. They are looking for harmony and tend to be accommodating to avoid conflict. 

Here are some of my favorite language-learning strategies for the Peacemakers out there: 

• Harmonious Learning Environment: You’ll thrive in learning settings that are calm and supportive and where you feel at ease.

• Collaborative Learning Activities: Engage in group activities that foster harmony and understanding, like group projects or language exchange partnerships.

• Stress-free Speaking Practice: Practice speaking in low-pressure situations, like casual conversation clubs or with friends.

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Takeaways:

Start exploring how Enneagram types connect with your Spanish learning. I think you’ll find a new world opening up to you—one where self-discovery and language learning intertwine and complement each other.

Each Enneagram type offers distinct strengths and challenges, and understanding yours is your key to earning Spanish in a way that feels right, seamless, and natural to you.

Maybe you’re a perfection-seeking Type 1, craving structure and clarity, or an adventurous Type 7 thriving on diverse and energetic learning experiences.  Either way, starting down a path of self-discovery by learning more about your Enneagram type can be a game changer--and not just for your Spanish. 

So, what’s next for you, the Enneagram and your Spanish?

Perhaps you’ll delve further into Enneagram studies and join workshops or courses that explore the connection between personality types and learning styles, enhancing your language skills and personal growth at the same time.

Maybe you’ll seek out ways to immerse yourself further in Spanish, whether in a spontaneous and adventurous trip across Latin America or a reassuring and harmonious festival you create in the comfort of your home. The point is that knowing yourself allows you to create experiences that feel right to you. 

When you integrate the insights from your Enneagram type into your Spanish learning strategies, you're not just learning a language.  You're embarking on a path of self-discovery and personal evolution.

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