Immersion, for learning a language

The best way to practice a language is always in the languages natural environment. If this sounds like painful immersion, it is not.

How to really be immersed to learn a language

Try something like this: Instead of going to hard core language school or expensive vacation in 4 star hotels here is a way to learn a language and relax. Each year I plan my two week summer holidays, I try to go abroad, usually to any neighbor country. For me it is Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, Russia, Ukraine.

For language immersion, it pays to be cheap

I arrange my stay in private houses only; these are like bed and breakfasts. There are many offers for bead and breakfasts on the Internet, and are always cheaper than using a tour agency. Also this for me is more relaxing and productive than going to a school in the country and a lot cheaper.
When I stay at a B&B, I feel more at home, and the most important thing is that I meet the owners several times a day, so I start to practice my target language from the very beginning.

First I listen to them how they say their ‘good morning’ and I try to repeat immediately. Usually they laugh and correct me but they catch my idea and help.

An example of context rich language immersion

Short example: last year I was visiting the mountain park Paradise in Slovakia. I rented an apartment in private house in Podlesok and from the first moment I started to practice. Here I should say it was not so difficult, as Slovak language is rather similar to Polish, but I use the same procedure in Germany or Italy. So the first words I learned in Slovak was ‘good morning’- ‘ dobry den’. Then very useful ‘ thank you ‘ -‘dekuyi Vam’. Then ‘ please ‘ -‘prosim Vas’. And so on.

When walking along trails and roads and shops, I tuned into my target language. I would especially do this in the evening in our common dining room., I also tried to listen to the Slovak language and to catch and repeat some phrases. When I was not sure what they meant ‘ I just asked in English or Russian. We had some fun but also some learning, both parties.

Language Immersion will make you remember

Explanations were necessary especially when a word was similar to Polish. I got to know that when your Slovak friend says to you: vole! (in English: you ox!) you should not be angry, because he means: old pal!
While in Polish it would not be proper, we rather say: byku! (you bull!) and the reason is simple ‘ we are aware that a bull has some private parts which an ox has not.

language immersion fun

So if you want to learn a language with immersion, so on vacation to your target country and relax and chat with people. In my opinion you will have more rich contexual learning than going to a class, or an English speaking 4 star hotel. The above is case and point.

Tags: how to learn, How to learn a language, immersion, language immersion, learn a language, learn phrases