Language Learning Methods: Will Immersion Teach You A Language Faster?
Immersion is often touted as one of the fastest and most effective methods for language learning.
But is it truly the best approach for everyone? In this article, let’s dig in and find out how to get the most out of the immersion method as a language learner.
Immersion is often touted as one of the fastest and most effective methods for language learning.
But is it truly the best approach for everyone?
In this discussion, we will explore the potential benefits and challenges of immersion courses, and consider whether it suits your individual learning goals and preferences. We will examine what immersion entails, how it can enhance your results when you learn languages, and whether it aligns with your personal learning style.
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What's an Immersion Language Course?
Immersion is an interesting topic, and one of those words that always come up in language learning a bit like "polyglot method" or "language exchange". There is a bit of misinformation and myth around when it comes to the topic, let’s kick off with a clear summary..
The OED has immersion as the "deep mental involvement in something" and points out that in foreign language learning it means _your teacher will only teach you using the foreign language_. That's all - immersion is not dependent on where you take the class or who you're learning with, it just means fewer explanations and more target language content. You do not have to live anywhere but where you live right now to make this work.
Advantages of Immersion in Language Learning
Many language learners dream of immersion classes as they promise quick results and otherwise unattainable levels of confidence, all wrapped up nicely with an impressive target language accent.
And all of this is kinda true - immersion works particularly well when building up to bilingualism, that means speaking two languages at practically native level all the time. This type of class challenges the brain in unique ways while forcing a learner to engage with the way language is used. There's no time for getting lost in grammar and rules, the point is to listen, copy and learn how to use language to be understood immediately.
Some more reading about the advantages of immersion can be found over at Omniglot.
Guided Immersion Classes
Immersion classes sound great! They typically require a dedicated chunk of y time from you as a learner, so you can spend at least a few days focusing on your target language. A true immersion environment requires at least a few hours spent speaking the new language, every day. That's probably why many people develop a simplistic view that learning a language comes naturally as a result of moving to a new country. The better logic looks like this: No fluency without practice, no immersion without time, but you can certainly learn a language at any pace that suits you.
One more point to note here is that immersion-based study methods may not be the best long-term option for you to build great learning skills. For example, this the teaching method focuses on communicating by sound and vision, and can neglect important learning methods like note-taking and learning how to review what you learnt.
3 Simple Questions to Know if Language Immersion is Right for You
1) Do you have enough space and time to commit to immersion language classes?
When it comes to immersion classes, it’s best to schedule in a focused amount of time. You may want to travel out to a retreat, or design your own immersion day.
Listen to this podcast episode to learn more about designing your own immersion day.
Of course listening and reading are core parts of this, but producing target language sentences every day is another big part. Immersion classes work extremely well as language learning holidays or short programmes (like my German retreat!), but they're much rarer as ongoing programmes over the years. So when you decide that this is your chosen method, make sure your language learning schedule can handle it.
2) Are you feeling ready to try this out at your level?
Good immersion tutors know that the key is to adapt your teaching and content to the skills or the learners. With that in mind, it's easy even for complete beginners to learn through gentle immersion, and I believe that the structure of guided lessons is a perfect environment. If you feel that you want to tackle immersion-style learning all by yourself, make sure you have a few good podcasts and italki ready for real world practice.
Interested in other language podcasts?
Interested in podcasts for other languages? We've got you covered! Explore our series of the 9 best podcasts:
9 Of The Best Podcasts For Learning French
9 of the Best Podcasts for Learning Spanish
9 of the Best Podcasts for Learning German
9 of the Best Podcasts for Learning Italian
3) Do you know your goals and limits?
If an overambitious learner uses a bombardment of random target language content as a learning technique, they might as well just look at a flag for an hour. The keys are to find materials that you can understand at your level (StoryLearning courses for example offer this from zero - check out their French or German ones to start), and to make sure you learn grammar in efficient ways.
Figure out which materials work best for you by getting clear on your language learning goals first, and then it becomes much easier to choose the topic and level of your immersion practice.
Don't put unreasonable demands on your understanding. Instead, know that it is a lot better for your learning to address the words and structures that you don't know, than to hope you will just assimilate them as if by magic. The "copy and speak" method does work, but only if you actually understand the input that you are getting.
Will Immersion Help You Learn a Language Faster?
Immersion is a trendy word among language learners and I have an allergy to trendy sometimes (anti-authority streak? teenage rebel?), so I do not personally use the word when describing how I teach or learn a language. The thing I find particularly important when I teach a language is that "immersion" must not mean "there is a teacher rambling at me in a foreign language and I can understand every 6th word".
Immersion Language Learning FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
What Is an Example of Immersion Language Learning?
Immersion language learning often includes a strong mix of grammar, reading, and lively discussions. For example, learners might dive into an article on current events and engage in a group discussion. There’s usually a big focus on oral interaction, such as asking and answering questions, sharing stories, listening to work-related dialogues, and participating in role-plays for scenarios like leading meetings, giving instructions, or dealing with workplace challenges.
Fun activities, like watching TV shows in the target language or playing interactive games, are also woven into the experience to make learning both effective and enjoyable.
What Are the Benefits of Immersion Language Learning?
Immersion language learning offers a unique and exciting way to connect with a new language.
Here are some of the fantastic benefits you'll gain from this immersive approach:
Develops an intuitive understanding of the language, similar to that of a native speaker.
Improves pronunciation and accent through constant exposure to native sounds.
Makes language learning fun and engaging.
Allows for the pickup of slang and idioms often missed in textbooks.
Strengthens problem-solving skills by encouraging adaptability and quick thinking.
Fosters bonding with native speakers, leading to real connections.
How to Establish a Successful Language Learning Routine (+ Examples)
Discover the secret to building a successful language learning routine. As someone who has been through the ups and downs of language learning, I understand why routines can easily fall by the wayside. In this post, I'll explore the common pitfalls that cause people to give up on their language goals, and provide you with 5 key elements that should be part of every effective routine. Plus, I'll share the best language learning resources to help you stay committed, and even give you a peek at my own personal routine. Don't let language learning overwhelm you – read our blog to find out how easy it can be!
Are you one of the many language learners who have attempted to build a language learning routine, but have found yourself falling off the wagon?
If you’re wondering “What’s the secret to learning a language once and for all?”, I’ve got your back.
A lot of language learners struggle because they get trapped in apps or stuck in complicated study plans. Today, let’s dig into where you might be getting stuck and talk through some easy, practical solutions that will help you build an effective language learning routine.
Why do most attempts at building a language learning routine fail?
If you started learning your language full of enthusiasm and excitement and found that it’s not lasted, you are not alone. Getting a consistent language routine up and running can be tricky. Here are some common reasons I’ve seen for running out of steam in your language studies.
Letting Language Learning Apps Run the Show
There's no shortage of language learning apps out there, and I am not here to tell you that you need to throw them all out. Apps are incredibly useful for language learners…but there’s a but!
Be careful with how you’re structuring your routines around these apps. Many of them use gamification and other features to keep you coming back. This is great for keeping a habit going…but it’s the habit of using one app, not of building your new language into your life.
Read more here about how to select a good language learning app
Read more here about how to get the most out of Duolingo
My tip for learning languages with apps is to use them as one of your guides, but make sure you have at least 3 other touch points with your target language every week through your language habit system.
Failing to Set Meaningful Language Goals
Without clear goals, it's easy to lose motivation and direction. And you know…”I want to be fluent” or “I just want to talk to people” are not very clear goals when it comes down to it.
Ask yourself what you want to achieve in a specific time period to make the goal a lot more realistic - this will help you build that sustainable language learning routine. Some fun ideas might include calling your grandma for a chat in her native language, singing a song, or posting your first Instagram post.
Read more about how to set meaningful language learning goals here
Overly High Expectations
One of the biggest problems I see come up again and again for language learners is the belief that you can “become fluent” within a very short time.
It’s absolutely possible for you to improve a LOT in even just a month. But that won’t mean you’re done in language learning. The relaxed conversation stage typically takes a few years. Instead of asking yourself why you’re always falling short, take the long view on this one and, like Bon Jovi, find the fun in being halfway there.
Boring Language Study and Exercises
Your memories of languages at school might be all about boring grammar drills and snoozing through tedious lessons. But hey! Now that you’re in charge of learning, you get to make the rules. In my system for learning languages, the focus is never on hard work. Your brain works better when you’re having fun, so build your new language learning routine with creative ideas, four core skills, and inspiring conversations.
Now we’ve covered some of the reasons your language routine might run out of steam, let’s focus on getting things set up the right way for you!
5 Essential Things Every Language Learning Routine Needs
You’re setting up your language learning routine so you can have long-term success. Here are the 5 key elements that will make life a lot easier for you:
Well-Organised Resources
You’ll be using apps, tools, books, courses, teachers, conversation partners, and probably a whole bunch more as you learn your language. The key is not to stick to the smallest number possible, but to make sure you organise the resources in a super smart way.
No one’s going to be able to tell you exactly which language course or book is the best one for you, because no one’s life and brain are quite like yours! So feel free to give things a try, and allow yourself to cut what doesn’t deliver.
A Balanced Approach to Consistency and Flexibility
You absolutely want to make sure that you can consistently show up in your language learning routine. This might mean scheduling regular study time, booking lessons every week, or simply sticking to a free interpretation of daily contact. While you can’t learn a language just by completing a Duolingo level now and then, it’s still not necessary to become a language robot. 🤖
A Way to Track Your Progress
Once you’re past the exciting first few weeks and months of learning a language, you might start coming into something learners call the intermediate plateau, where it starts to feel like your hard work isn’t paying off as much anymore. This is where “invisible progress” can kill your motivation, so don’t let that happen!
Tracking your progress can be super easy, and it’s the key to success in language learning. The easiest way? Use a journal or help yourself to one of the readymade trackers in my course, the Language Habit System.
Someone to Talk To
If you want to learn a language, it’s because on some level your dream is to communicate more with people. Whether your ultimate goal is travel, career success, living abroad, or just to follow your language passions, my advice to you is to find three types of people:
A practice partner, or someone else to talk to (or sign with or write to)
A mentor, for example a language coach
A few friends or peers who are also learning languages, for example through a language exchange
The more connected you feel to other people while you’re learning languages, the easier you will find it in the long run.
Study Variety
As mentioned above, finding fun resources is key to your success in language learning. Allow yourself to explore everything you like, everything you already do in your life, through the lens of your new language. Of course, TV shows are an easy one to try. How can you take it further? Build activities like finding great playlists to celebrating fun national holidays into your routine so you can hit those goals every day.
My Favourite Resources for Sticking to a Language Learning Routine
Now that you know the essential things your language learning routine needs, I wanted to introduce you to a few of the resources I always come back to when learning languages.
Language Learning Podcasts and Audio Courses
When I first start out with a new language, pronunciation is very important to me. That’s why I focus a lot on listening, and making sure I can take notes and understand how each sound is built. With more language progress, podcasts become a great source of stories and perspectives, and they’re available in dozens of languages.
🎧 Here are my podcast recommendations for learning German, learning French, learning Italian, and learning Spanish.
Language Learning Apps
While I don’t let my apps run the show, they can still be a useful tool for staying consistent with learning my new languages. The apps I use vary depending on the languages I learn. When learning Welsh, my go to is Ap Geriaduron, a dictionary app for my phone, and I also enjoy a bit of Memrise.
My Language Study Journal
I find that handwriting and processing my thoughts with pen and paper is an absolute must-have when I’m learning languages. From French to Chinese, and Welsh to Russian, every language I have ever learnt has been documented in a notebook. The benefits? I get to keep everything organised, tracked, and make sense of complex rules in my own way.
Want to find out more about how to use my strategies for yourself? Click here to discover my mini course, Write Your Way to Fluency, for just US $9.
Language Tutors and Exchange Partners
I usually go to italki (affiliate link) or LanguaTalk (affiliate link) to connect with a teacher who will help me bring my new languages to life. Over the long-term, I also set up exchanges with fluent friends, and practice my speaking and listening skills with people I find in my own network as a language coach.
The Language Habit System
I first created the Language Habit System in 2016 and I still use this method for my own language learning routine. This step-by-step guide to setting great language learning goals, tracking the actions that matter, and figuring out where to go next, is the heart of how I stay on track. The 3 key steps are simple: Plan - Track - Review. I highly recommend you check out the Language Habit System for yourself - it’s been tried and loved by hundreds of language learners!
A Real-Life Example of My Own Language Learning Routine
At this point, we’ve got the essential steps in place and you’re on your way to building that successful language learning routine. At this point, I’ve got a few examples to share from my own approach. But remember, your routine will probably look different and that’s okay! This is just for inspiration.
First, I think about what my language learning goals are. If I’m learning multiple languages, it’s important for me to select my priorities before I go about aiming too high and burning out.
I don’t set a dedicated amount of time to study every single day, but I do have a check-in with myself about making “daily contact” with my target language. My focus is also on making sure I keep each core skill in balance (these are covered in this free training), so that means I do not do the same activity every day.
Read my super popular guide to the core skills, Fluency Made Achievable
A few of my key activities in my target languages are
Listening to my favourite radio shows or watching some easy TV (I like Yabla (affiliate link) for this)
Texting my friends or looking up a few tweets in my target language
Reading a few pages in one of my easy reader books
Going to online classes or language exchange sessions
Making notes in my study journal
Sometimes, I get more organised and schedule extra study sessions in advance..but not all the time. My goals are small and tangible right now because that's how I want them. They may be things like "revise yesterday's vocab list" or "make notes for chapter 4". What I'm trying to tell you here is that I do not feel guilty about picking my own language pace and neither should you.
Well, unless you're in formal education and have an exam tomorrow.
You’re on the way to a great language learning routine!
So that’s a lot of great advice for you today! Building your successful routine might not be instant, but it doesn’t have to be a chore either!
If you can build in that balance of consistency and flexibility, great goals, and even better organisation, you’ll be on your way.
Avoid getting trapped in language learning apps and set realistic expectations for your progress. Remember to make your language learning routine fun and engaging, and connect with others who share your passion for language.
By incorporating these elements and using the resources I’ve recommended for you above, I know that you can achieve all your fluency goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you create a language learning routine?
It takes a little bit of self-knowledge, a great study system, and some guidance through great resources and mentors. The key to language learning is to think of it as a habit that you’re building for the long-term, so it’s important to find the methods that work best for you as an individual.
How many hours should I study a language a day?
Great question, and the answer depends on how fast you need to achieve your language learning goals. I have certainly studied languages for many hours a day at different times in my life. Usually this was when I was in full-time education and learning languages was my job. Now that I am learning languages more as a hobby, I don’t have the time to dedicate many hours a day. This means the progress is slower, but it is still progress!
How do I write a self study plan?
Start by getting clear on your goals, then break those down into specific actions that you want to take so that you can reach those goals. You should allow some space to organise your resources, track your progress, and also review how you are getting on.
Want all of this ready to go in easy worksheets? Then get the Language Habit System. You’ll love it.
Can Duolingo make you fluent?
If you only ever practiced your languages with Duolingo, you would become very good at Duolingo. To become flexible enough to understand real conversations and speak with people, I recommend building a more robust study routine.
Can you learn 2 languages at once?
Yes! You can learn even more languages at the same time, and it can be a lot of fun to do this! Make sure that you match your time and energy to the language learning goals. Here are more tips for learning multiple languages at the same time.
What is the most effective way to learn a language?
Personally, I like learning independently because it allows me to make time for my target language and go at the pace that is right for me. Of course I also buy course books and hire tutors, but I like to be in charge of my learning. It is the best way to bring in my love for the language that I am learning, and to enjoy the process.
9 Questions To Discuss With Your Language Tutor
Today's post is inspired by a recent episode of David Mansaray's "Language Is Culture" podcast. In Episode 12 of Language is Culture, we hear from computational linguist Judith Meyer - she's German, she loves languages and you can totally hear it in her voice!
Working with a language tutor is something I can recommend for any language learners, especially introverts, because you'll just get more out of the intense environment and focused attention.
Even if you have never worked 1-to-1 before, you can easily to use it as a booster, for example before an exam or as a quick refresher after a quiet spell.
But it's important to get the chemistry and expectations right from the start, so take account of the following key points.
First Conversation with Your Language Tutor
If you are looking for a tutor that works specifically on your goals, then it's much more important to have a clear conversation at the start. The experienced tutors will know what
Some questions I like asking my new students are:
- Do you want to work with a specific resource only, and do you want me to buy it too?
- Are you aiming for a specific skill like reading literature, applying for jobs or doing small talk?
- Are you working towards an exam or moving date?
- Is your goal about a feeling (confidence, comfort, encouragement?) or about hard data (vocab, grammar?)?
And here is what you should ask them:
- How long and how frequent are your lessons, and what is the pricing structure?
- Have you worked with my type of situation before?
- What kind of lesson structure would you suggest for my situation?
- What's your approach - strict or relaxed, friendly or formal?
You should know what kind of answer you want to hear, so make sure you have made some notes before the first conversation.
My Perspective
My own style, for example, is very friendly and I like to build up a supportive relationship with my students. If you were looking for a sober teacher, my lessons might not meet your expectations!
How To Use a Language Tutor
Judith's interview is focused on how learners get the most out of working with a language tutor. Here is her theory:
Any 1 to 1 language lesson should be led by either the tutor or the student, so an inexperienced learner should look for an experienced tutor and vice versa.
I thought about this point for a bit, and I do agree. The dynamic between me and my students can be very different depending on how experienced they are at language learning. When a student knows very definitely what they want out of the lessons, I often find that they're less keen to react to my input - it's not a lazier lesson for me, as I then take a role of watching out for errors, prompting the conversation and supporting through extra challenges. With a student who is new to language learning, I am more likely to direct the lesson in many ways and set the topics myself.
A good tutor is sensitive to what the student expects, and able to make adjustments to the teaching style that meet those expectations.
My Perspective
My favourite people are new to tutoring and often they're studying their first foreign language. In those cases, my students are often happy to experiment. They just love a challenge, so we can enjoy the variety that I bring to our lessons and just focus on having fun along with the more complicated parts. As someone with a love of coaching, I like providing those extra services of improving learning methods, finding new exercises and encouraging them along the way.
Thanks for reading this article on Fluent - The Language Learning Blog. Don't forget - if you sign up to our newsletter, you will receive a free Guide to the Best Language Learning Resources!
Kerstin's 3 Steps for Learning Topical Vocabulary
Topical vocabulary means the words and expressions that all relate to one topic, for example cookery, education or firefighting. Today's article introduces a foolproof 3-Step Method, plus get involved by posting your next vocab topic in the comments, and we'll feature you in a blog article next year.
Why is this useful?
If you make it your goal to learn all the words in a language, you'll never know when you're done. Setting a goal like "500 words" is also though, because who counts all the new words they're learning?! So bring on the topical approach. You can get into a topic you're interested in and feel like you're really getting somewhere.
Learning topical vocabulary is not difficult - here are 3 steps to success:
1. How much do you know about this in English or your native language?
The key here is to set your goal posts right, so that you'll know the detail of what your topic is all about. Plus, remember that language is never isolated from what it talks about. In other words, the success in remembering vocab is based on knowing what you're talking about. If you want to write like an expert about history, better know the facts before the words.
For example, I once worked at the fabulous Panaz, who make all kinds of flameproof fabrics. I was their Export Sales Administrator, on the phone all day taking and confirming orders in French. I could have learnt all the words for fabric and upholstery I wanted, but these customers wanted someone who first knew her stuff, and then knew all the words for it.
So here is Step 1: Be sure you know what you're talking about, and then you'll know which words and expressions you need.
2. Note it down, then relax-repeat-remember
Forget talent - repetition is the heart of success. Many people recommend "SRS", which means a spaced repetition system. In other words, you will have to go over words again even if you remembered them today. The repetition of running through those lists is what makes it go in, so it's got to be a routine for a week or two. Remember Fluency MC? It's relax - repeat - remember.
For more ideas on getting that vocabulary to stick, check out 6 Techniques for Learning Vocabulary.
Step 2: Follow the 3 R's: Relax, repeat, remember.
3. Test yourself twice
It's easy to check how many words you know, so make your first test an article in the paper and a TV show about your topic. With libraries, the internet, YouTube and Facebook at your service, I challenge you to find something you couldn't read a lot about in almost any language. How about searching for the #tag on Twitter (see below)?
Now for the second test, maybe a little bit more daunting but this is going to be more fun too: Have a conversation, chat about the topic, go listen to someone and say what you think! Of course it should be possible to bring most conversations around to your chosen topic (and an amusing challenge, too!) eventually, and then throw in the new words, ask questions and feel the power. You've just become an expert!
Step 3: Test yourself once by consuming, and twice by producing language.
Twitter search result for "Flameproof" in German - there really is media for anything
Favourite topics?
As always, I want you guys to get involved and think about how this article will serve you best, so you are invited to write a comment below and tell me what your vocabulary topics are. How about Christmas, cookery or knitting? Or look at the cool Sally Holmwood, who's currently studying personal banking words for her part-time job in an international bank.
Don't miss out on the launch of the Fluent Guide to Vocabulary Learning for Self-Directed Language Learners.
Thanks for reading this article on Fluent - The Language Learning Blog. Don't forget - if you sign up to our newsletter, you will receive a free Guide to the Best Language Learning Resources!
Language learning with Yabla
Today I want to write an article introducing you to some software that might really go some distance to keeping you learning languages online. It's called Yabla, and online at Yabla.com.
What I like about Yabla is that the system is not in a specific learning method or a big method that you have to learn first. Instead, their special software is designed to make that target language video world accessible.
Here's how it works
The materials come from TV, film and music videos in the original language. The system gives access to native language videos and allows language learners to watch things in the original language, understand them, expand their vocabulary and quiz themselves on listening comprehension. So in other words, if you've ever wasted an hour on YouTube this is your thing.
All videos display in the Yabla player, which looks like this:
I've annotated this picture for you so you can work out what the different sections are about. We have
- Control buttons. The coolest ones are "Slow" which slows the whole video down without sounding like it's creepy monster talk (i.e. it's pitch corrected) so that you can understand the native speakers better, and "Loop" which will run a very short section on a loop until you are ready to move on.
- Subtitles. These are available in the language of the video (here it's German) and the menu language (here that would be English), but as you can see there is a little "Hide"/"Show" menu on the right hand side so that you can watch the video with or without subtitles.
- Subtitle Lookup. Every word in the subtitles is clickable, and will show up in the dictionary once you click on it.
- Difficulty rating. Yabla tells users how difficult it thinks the videos are and rates them from 1 to 5. For example, my French is good enough to watch a 4/5 video without any subtitles, but I want them on for 5/5.
- Game. The in-video game is a listening comprehension exercise, asking you to find the missing word in any phrase contained in the video. Yabla regularly publishes the high scores so I'm pretty sure you couldn't resist if there's a bit of a competitor in you.
- Dictionary. Yabla player searches various dictionaries, or Wikipedia, for every word that you click on in the subtitles. This way you get the benefit of several uses and you can see the word used in a sentence straight away.
Here are two of my favourite demo videos:
- Piggeldy und Frederick - Der Himmel: Piggeldy and Frederick are cartoon pigs and they live and learn, and have done this for as long as I can remember. I used to enjoy them when I was little, and still enjoy them today. Suitable even for early learners (or 2/5 on Yabla's own difficulty rating).
- Canadian Chocolate Seller - Chocolats: The lady makes chocolate. The video contains chocolate. I think now I'm hungry.
In conclusion, I think you guys should give Yabla a go. A 1-month subscription costs $9.95 and it's refundable within 7 days, so that you can test drive the system thoroughly. The system is great for:
- listening comprehension: slow it down where you need to.
- writing skills - take notes and compare them with the subtitles afterwards
- growing your vocabulary - write down new words and quiz yourself or use the in-built Game and Flashcards features.
Yabla is available for learners of English, French, Chinese, German, Spanish and Italian.
Final message to Yabla: Where is the Russian version? I can't wait!
Final message to you: Fluent Language's blog is an affiliate partner and receives a small commission if you decide to sign up for a Yabla account, so thanks in advance if you do!
Struggling with listening? Discover realistic tips, challenge prompts, and the best tools for improving your listening skills as a self-guided language learner