(1) Video lesson continue: Encounters in the UK
We'll complete Activities 3, 4 and 5 of this lesson. In Activity 5, three questions will be discussed. Students can answer questions 2 and 3 in their comment to this lesson. I repeat the questions here:
1. What is "complete immersion"?
2. Why is it seen as such a good way to learn a language?
3. Is it possible to get some of the benefits of "complete immersion" without going to an English-speaking country? If so, how? If not, why not?
(2) Activity 6: Role plays:Role plays in pairs: Student A is planning to study abroad in the UK and stay with a host family. Student B works for the company that organizes homestays. B will interview A in order to get all the information needed to place the applicant with a suitable host family. A answers the questions and explains what their requirements for their ideal host family would be like.
Replies
Yes, that is true, Li Yaze, that "complete immersion" wouldn't be what it is supposed to be if one has some native speakers around you as you would then tend to speak your native language. So, "complete immersion" becomes more and more difficult for Chinese students as there are so many Chinese students studying all over the world in the English-speaking countries. But most of them live in dormitories, or their own private apartments; so, I guess it can still work if one can stay away from them! That would however not be easy, because in the beginning one would tend to mix with one's own countrymen as you are often quite lonely. So, "complete immersion" requires much sacrifice from a student if they want it to be successful.
You are right that it is a very effective method to master the English language in a relatively short time, Wu Ting, but apart from the cost to keep students from doing it, it is also not an easy way. I don't think many students can do that; but, of course, if one is determined to make a success of it, I think you can. Nothing is impossible!
Hong Jingjing, you explained exactly what "complete immersion" is in the last half of your comment. So, then I don't understand how you can say that it can work (getting the benefits) without going to an English-speaking country! I can't see how one can get the same benefits if you stay in your home country and 100% of the people around you speak your mother tongue (and you too!) and you hear only English - if you are lucky - once or twice a week in the classroom (most Chinese students don't even have foreign English teachers). You can tell me in class tomorrow how one can get the same benefits of "complete immersion" without going to "immerse" oneself in an English country in the English language and culture! :)
Btw, are you still looking after little Fang Xue ...? If yes, then pse ask her when she is going to do her comment, and maybe you can even give her some advice ..! Thank you. ;-)
You are correct in that this is not an easy language-learning method, Zhang Ke; but indeed is it one of the best methods to learn the language in a short time. However, I think not every student can do that as it requires a lot of sacrifice and 'giving' of oneself. In the video, three of the girls already lived in Europe and many of those cultures are overlapping, I think, making it easier for them. I have the feeling it would be very difficult for a Chinese student as the culture is so different from western culture. However, the girl from South America (Venezuela, I think) adapted very well and she impressed me most in the video. So, it isn't impossible!
Haha, your father sounds like a man of wisdom and good vision, Long Yuan! But he should have added that if she is a Brit, then it would have even been better! However, your English is not that poor ... so, my guess is you have followed your father's advice! ;-)
Well, if you hope to get to the UK in future, make it a goal or dream and start dreaming or planning toward it! Walt Disney said, "if you can dream about something, you can do it"! But if you want to study there, I guess your father should have started saving already before you were born as I understand it costs around RMB200 000 per year to study in the UK! America, Canada and Australia are even more expensive. Or maybe you only want to travel there to 'feel' the culture, as you mentioned, and that would be much more affordable!
So, if you understand "complete immersion", Caroline, would you say it can work in China if you want to improve your English skills?! If you say 'no', of course then you know the meaning as it can only work in another country if you want to learn that country's language if it is different from your own mother tongue! Not an easy way of doing it, especially in the beginning; but it is indeed a very effective way.
Before getting to the role plays, we still have to finish the lesson, Katherine; but I can see you are already prepared for the interview! As far as food is concerned, remember it is a foreign country and they don't eat Chinese food! So, you have to go with an open mind and you have to be willing to sacrifice your own preferences if you want to make a success of it. For example, to me personally, South African food is nicer than Chinese food, but I made a decision to be here and to eat and enjoy Chinese food. That was a good decision (a choice) and it works for me! Most homestay parents are screened by the companies organizing the homestays and are usually good-natured people who care for the students. I don't think they would do it for free, but I believe they would look after you and try to make you feel at home. So, you would surely get good value for your money (and besides, most foreigners believe that if you pay for something, you must get value back!). ;-)
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