[danenania]

I think the primary challenge to learning a new language in the early stages is confronting this self-consciousness.

It's good training in not worrying too much about what other people think of you. What's the harm really in someone thinking you're an idiot? You know it's not the case.

Swallowing your pride speeds up learning immensely. You can even have fun with it--people will see you as funny and non-threatening, which can actually translate to likability quite easily if you don't get a chip on your shoulder about it.

[wolfgke]

Exactly. Additionally I want to point out that this is what many English speakers expect from foreigners.