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April 23, 2010

Language Immersion Programs: Is It For You?

There have been thousands of research on immersion-based language learning, majority of them pointing towards a similar conclusion: it works. Of course, you will likely have a tougher experience early on (you’re basically going from 0 to 60 in a flash), but if you embrace it and remain open to the potential struggles, almost anyone can succeed this way.

Immersion programs, which involve direct experience of a language for acquisition, are popular among a large group of language students. In fact, I’ve met several multi-lingual people who say they prefer diving into the culture and living the language immediately, compared to taking a more structured approach to fluency.

What do you need in order to learn a language this way?

1. Confidence. Language immersion is not for the onion-skinned. Seriously, you’ll feel doubts creep in every time you leave the house and attempt to “immerse” yourself in the language. You’ll need all the confidence you can muster to take risks and accept rejection, both of which you’ll experience many.

2. A strong will. Immersion can lead to many days of frustration. You need an iron-clad will to push through all the struggles you’re likely to encounter.

Personally, I’m not a fan of the “daredevil” approach promoted by proponents of direct immersion as a primary method for language acquisition. My own preference is to use a language practice software, using some amount of immersion as an opportunity for practice.

At the end of the day, you’ll have to make a choice based on your personality. Which approach can work best for you?

Filed under: Language Learning — Tags: ,
October 5, 2009

Your Options For A Language Learning Immersion

Immersing yourself in a language, along with its accompanying culture, is one of the best ways to acquire it.  In fact, many contend it’s the only way to complete master it.  How you are able to get into a situation where you can immerse yourself is a whole other story entirely.

Naturally, being dropped into a foreign country is an immediate opportunity for immersion.  Barring having a UFO kidnap you and throw you in the middle of a strange land (or being sent there through your work), though, you will likely have to approach the whole matter in a more deliberate manner.

If you’re willing to travel, there are many opportunities available.  A few ones you can look at include:

  • being an exchange student (assuming you’re still young enough to put in that much time in school)
  • going on an extended vacation (provided you have to cash to fund it, of course)
  • seeking foreign job placements (always a favorite for adventurous types)

Of course, you can also find immersion opportunities locally, which would be a great way to supplement your weekly language classes or language software lessons.  You can get a job at a local organization for the source country of your target language (e.g. embassies or a group like the Alliance Francaise).  One often overlooked opportunity is playing host to foreign guests (such as transients and backpackers), many of whom will only be too happy to indulge you in your learning activities.

Whichever way you decide to go, there are many option for a language learning immersion both abroad and in your backyard.  Make sure to explore these options.

Filed under: Language Learning — Tags: ,
July 7, 2009

How To Immerse Yourself In A Foreign Language Without Moving To Another Country

Total immersion is generally accepted as the best way to integrate a language into your skillset.  That’s how we learned our first language after all, having it be a part of our lives from the moment we can first make out sounds.

When undergoing an immersion experience for language learning, the best setting is obviously to be thrown into a foreign country.  Relocated to a place where the main vernacular is the target language, learning tends to happen very fast, especially when its crucial to being able to function on a day-to-day basis.

Most of us who undertake language learning (whether with a language software or formal classes), however, are not going to be able to have that kind of experience.  In fact, many of us study a foreign language in order to have the chance to be able to live in a foreign country (i.e. studying French so you can find placement with a Paris-based office).

Local Immersion

Despite total immersion being an unlikely scenario, there are still many ways to arrange your affairs such that you can mimic the experience as closely as possible.  Even within your home and immediate community, you can immerse yourself in the object of your study.

Find pockets of community within your immediate vicinity that speak the language you hope to learn and find a way to integrate yourself there.  In many cities worldwide, there are almost always churches, clubs, consulate-affiliated organizations, hobby groups or professional organizations that cater to a specific nationality – find them and get in touch.

Most of these groups will either know or run language learning sessions.  They’ve also been known to be very welcoming of outsiders trying to gain familiarity with the language.  If you’ve got honest intentions and sensibly state your case, few will ever turn you down.

Filed under: English Learning, Language Learning — Tags: , ,
April 16, 2009

Picking Up A Foreign Language Naturally

When studying a foreign language, it’s natural to run into bouts of frustration. Even with the most dynamic language learning software, the difficulty of understanding the rules of grammar and memorizing the vocabulary does get to you at one time or another.

During these times, it might actually benefit you to take a short break from active studying and look for ways to pick up the language naturally. Instead of following a course, just begin immersing yourself into it more. Try these activities on for size:

Converse in it every chance you get. Try to get into as much conversations using the vernacular as you can. If you don’t come across a lot of folks who speak the language, intentionally seek them out. Find a local community of people who speak it (if you’re practicing Hindu, for instance, find a local Indian community) and patronize their businesses (restaurants, groceries, etc), practicing your skills whenever you come in. Most will appreciate your learning efforts and help you out.

Watch movies and TV shows in that language. Instead of watching another cat video on YouTube, why not spend the afternoon watching entertainment clips in the vernacular you’re trying to learn? You might even chance upon something you like.

Immersion can feel a lot less like studying and more about enjoying yourself. Most of the time, it’s got a social component that makes it even more interesting. As such, it usually feels less restricting and more open, possibly re-igniting your fire in learning the new language.

Filed under: Language Learning, Language Learning Software — Tags: , ,

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