Language Immersion And Its Types

Immersion and Submersion: Language immersion is a common technique adapted by teachers in any given language school for teaching languages. This method involves using the target language as a mode of instruction so as to inculcate a deeper sense and understanding of the language on the whole. Rather than binding students into a classroom curriculum, it helps them get immersed into the language and experience its use on a first hand basis.

As opposed to immersion is the method of submersion which involves a greater level of difficulty. Whereas in the former technique, the language to be learned was common for all students in the class, in submersion, there are only one or two students for whom the medium of instruction is the target language. For others in the class, the language used is their first language. You can experience submersion if you wish to learn English abroad, especially in the States.

Types of Immersion: The immersion types may be distinguished according to the ages and to the extent. According to age, the types are simple and easily distinguishable. Early immersion refers to the process of learning which begins at an early age, generally from the age of five or six years. Middle immersion begins in children belonging to the age group of 9 or 10 years. Late immersion would include students who begin learning at the age of 11 to 14 years.

According to Extent: According to the extent of immersion, it can be categorized into various types. These categorizations are applicable to any French course or Spanish course or any language course altogether.

Three types of immersion are:
Total immersion incorporates devoting hundred percent of the class hours in learning the foreign language. In this process, the proficiency of the language is mastered. This method is usually contained within an “integrated grade school sequence” and the subject content of the foreign languages is mastered over. This curriculum helps students to understand and appreciate other foreign cultures. In partial immersion, a fifty percent of the class hours is devoted to language learning.

In two way immersion or bi-lingual immersion the class consists of some students who speak one language and some who speak another language. For example, a class may have students who have Spanish as their first language and others who are proficient in English. The class is taught both languages. Eventually, all the students become bilingual as they are able to speak in both Spanish and in English.

By: Paul A Clark

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Reference
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