Most language learners and teachers agree that total immersion is the best way to learn a language. Expensive study abroad programs abound for the fortunate few who have the time and the money to go to a foreign country to focus on language learning. However, such programs may be out of the reach of many who want to learn a foreign language. Fortunately, there are ways for foreign language students to simulate foreign language immersion.
Passive Listening
Depending on the type of work a person does, a language learner may be able to listen to foreign language recordings in the background throughout the day. If the student works around other people, he may want to listen to the recordings using headphones to avoid disturbing coworkers. Although passive listening doesn’t yield the same result of active participation with a language, it still provides regular exposure to the language which helps it to sink in.
Foreign language learners who are unable to listen to recordings during work may still get in at least a few hours of passive listening each day while commuting to work and while doing mundane tasks such as cleaning, cooking and shopping.
Keep a Foreign Language Journal
Writing things down helps cement them into the memory, and a foreign language is no exception. Those who make an effort to write at least a few sentences each day in their target language may find that such an exercise helps the learning process. It is important not to strive for perfection in the journal, particularly at the beginning. A dictionary can be used to look up unfamiliar words, and best efforts can be made to use proper grammar in the journal entry, but the main idea is to use the foreign language, even if mistakes abound.
Join a Language Exchange Program
Native English speakers generally have no problem finding people who want to practice speaking English. Many of those people are more than happy to exchange language services, free of charge. This is an especially good option for those who want to practice speaking a foreign language with a native speaker but don’t have the funds to hire a tutor. Mixxer is a great free place to find a language exchange partner. It may be necessary to try out several partners before a perfect match is found, but a good language partner is valuable for those attempting a simulated foreign language immersion experience.
Attend Gatherings With Foreign Nationals
Language learners who live in larger cities may have opportunities to interact with those who speak their language without ever leaving their own city. Many churches are bilingual or in a target language and cultural events such as Chinese New Year and Cinco de Mayo may be available. Spending some time in ethnic grocery stores is a great way to find out about such events.
Take Advantage of Free Foreign Language Resources on the Internet
Unless the target foreign language is obscure, chances are there is an abundance of free materials available on the Internet. Smart.fm is a great place to study a foreign language and to track progress. Many study materials are available free of charge on the site and the free sign up opens doors to lessons and a strong community of learners.
Although actual immersion in a foreign language is preferable, simulated foreign language immersion is the next best thing. It is a great way for foreign language students to focus intently on a language without spending money and time away from home. Near immersion is possible with passive listening, keeping a journal in the target language, participating in language exchanges, involvement with local foreigners, and taking advantage of free foreign language resources on the Internet.
Rebecca Livermore - Rebecca Livermore has been a freelance writer for more than 15 years. She had her first article published in a national print magazine in ...
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