What does the term "language immersion" refer to?

The term "language immersion" refers to a method where learners are placed in an environment where they are surrounded by the target language. This approach emphasizes exposure to the language in a natural context, facilitating greater comprehension and enabling learners to develop skills through real-life interactions and experiences. The premise of language immersion is that by being surrounded by the language, learners can acquire it more effectively, much like how children learn their first language through consistent exposure and practice in everyday situations.

This method contrasts with techniques focused solely on memorization or explicit grammar instruction, which do not offer the same level of contextual engagement with the language. Additionally, while bilingual education can promote literacy, language immersion specifically prioritizes total exposure to the language, making it distinct from other educational approaches that may concentrate only on reading and writing.