How Language Immersion Can DROWN You (and how to stay afloat) - OUINO.com

You've probably heard that the best way to learn a new language is through total immersion. Well, it's certainly true to some extent, but there's a catch. Immersion is only effective if you take care not to drown in the language. Ever wondered why some people move to a foreign speaking area and never learn the local language? Of course, there are plenty of reasons, but one of them is that they are overwhelmed by the language. In this post, we will talk about how you can use language immersion in the right way and avoid drowning in the language.

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[aquarius]

As a matter of fact, in the middle of the ocean, even if a person manages to swim, if there is nobody to help him, in the end he will drawn.

[ouino]

This post was inspired by a quote from Chris Lonsdale in a TEDx Lingnan University conference. “Immersion per se does not work. Why? Because a drowning man cannot learn to swim.” Thank you Mr. Lonsdale for this great metaphor. :)

[oakstrong]

I once went for a long walk with someone who only spoke my target language. Although I already knew some basics, I had to work really hard to understand the "lecture" on local Botanics with all the unknown words (to me). I found myself understanding less and less and finally, my brain shut down so completely I didn't understand ANYTHING until I had 20 - 30 minutes of not having to converse with anyone.

[AlbertoLoredoDesigner]

I agree with that, it is a big misconception. My cousins who are Mexican-Americans don't speak proper English, even with a native language speaker in their own house. It's a pity.