MLC 105 Learning Journal # 13

[Pamir Niaz]

The article "How Immersion Helps to Learn a Language" cites how language immersion can allow adults to process a new language with native proficiency. I always agreed with the sentiment that language immersion is the easiest to learn and improve one's ability in any language. For example, my grasp of Dari is significantly better when I visit family members in Europe since in such instances the only language being spoken is Dari. Therefore, to interact with my family I have to rely on my ability to speak Dari. Usually, when I return home from Europe I notice that my Dari abilities tend to regress because I am not speaking or hearing the language as often. However, I never read into any scientific studies backing language immersion until reading this article. Sindya N. Bhanoo, the article's writer, notes a study that used electroencephalography--a test to measure brain processing--to determine that those who learn a language through immersion use the brain patterns of a native speaker; these brain patterns are not present in those who learn a language in a formal setting. Considering the outcome of the study, I feel more confident in belief that language immersion is the best method for me to learn a language.