Many people believe that children learn languages easier than adults. The fact is that children may become more fluent in a second, or even third, language quicker than adults because they have more exposure to the new language. Consider the case of an immigrant family. The children go to a school where the new language is spoken all day by teachers and friends. The children then play in the neighborhood with children speaking the new language. Their parents, on the other hand, spend time with other immigrants and often with only with people who speak their first language. Hence, they are not as exposed to the second language as their children are. This is the reason for dual-language immersion programs.

Here is a bit of information to help you understand what dual language immersion can do for you.

One-hundred Percent Immersion

In a 100 percent immersion program, you will speak, read, and hear nothing but the new language. In most cases, the teachers are native speakers of the language. These programs are good for adults who want or need to learn a second language. Luckily these programs are often offered at community colleges or other community centers. While the instructor is also fluent in the first language, they only use it when absolutely necessary in the class. They have gone to school to learn ways to help you learn and understand without the need to resort to your first language.

Ninety/Ten Percent Immersion

The 90/10 percent immersion program can be very helpful for someone who is struggling to learn the new language. You will use only the new language 90 percent of the time, but the teacher may give instructions or teach vocabulary in your first language. Some people prefer this method as they can learn to translate the different words exactly so they can use them in conversations not covered in class sooner. 

Fifty/Fifty Percent Immersion

These classes have the teacher and students using both languages equally. Many dual language immersion programs advise waiting until you have a reasonable grasp of the new language before going to 50 percent immersion. It can also be helpful when the content being studied is for more technical or professional reasons as the other immersion programs are based on normal conversations.

If you want or need to learn a second language, consider going with a dual language immersion program. While you may be a bit lost at first, you will learn the language and be more comfortable with it much sooner than if you were to take a regular language class that tries to teach you with forcing grammar at you