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immersion

ih-MER-zhuhn /ɪˈmɜː.ʒən/

nounB2TOEFLIELTSGRE

academicprofessional

A method of teaching a foreign language by using only that language in instruction; deep mental involvement or absorption.

Implies total surrounding in an environment without recourse to native language translation.

The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'in-' (into) + 'mergere' (to dip or plunge). Historically used to describe physical submersion in water, it adapted in the mid-20th century to describe language learning environments where students are completely enveloped in speech.

Word relationships

submersion: 'Submersion' often implies being overwhelmed without supportive pedagogical scaffolds.

extraction: Refers to pulling out or separating from an environment.

Commonly confused with

acquisition: Immersion is the pedagogical method or environment, whereas acquisition is the internal cognitive process of learning.

Word family

immerse (verb): To plunge into or involve deeply.
immersive (adjective): Providing complete involvement or engagement.

Collocations

language immersion
total immersion
immersion program
immersion technique

Idioms & expressions

sink or swim immersion

Example sentences

"Total immersion in a French-speaking school proved far more effective for her accent than years of textbook study." Language Pedagogy
"Immersion programs demand that teachers deliver academic content exclusively through the target language." Educational Theory

Memory hook

To immerse is to submerge yourself in water; language immersion submerges you in words. Immersion = fully submerged in language.

When not to use

Do not use to describe standard grammar translation classes or passive listening.

Fun facts

The modern language immersion methodology was pioneered in Quebec in the 1960s to teach English children French.