Phrases: Language Immersion 1.0.6

'Phrases' offers a structured approach to language learning, emphasizing immersion through the repetition and reinforcement of common colloquial phrases. Designed for a range of languages including French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese, this application utilizes audio pronunciations by native speakers to enhance the learning experience.

The application features an extensive collection of phrases organized by topics, facilitating targeted learning. It employs exercises that promote memorization through continued exposure to phrases, particularly focusing on their pronunciation. This method develops not only familiarity with the language but also an intuitive understanding of its structure.

By building mental templates based on common language patterns, learners can create new phrases and recognize various combinations in real-life interactions. 'Phrases' adheres to the principle of 'immersive exposure,' a concept rooted in contextual immersion that has proven effective in adult language acquisition.

Unlike submersion, which might overwhelm learners without adequate support, immersion offers essential tools to facilitate the learning process. This approach is tailored for adults who benefit from resources that clarify grammar and provide structured lessons, enhancing overall efficiency compared to traditional submersion methods.

While the optimal scenario for language mastery would involve residing in a country where the language is spoken, such circumstances are often impractical. Therefore, consistent and repeated use of the 'Phrases' app is encouraged to capture the essence of the language in everyday practice.

For further reading on effective language learning through contextual immersion, consider these references:

• Cummins, J (2009) Bilingual and Immersion Programs, in Long, M and Doughty, C (Eds) The Handbook of Language Teaching, Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
• DeKeyser, R (2012) Age effects in second language learning, in Gass, S M and Mackey, A (Eds) The Routledge handbook of second language acquisition, London: Routledge.
• Kinginger, C (2011) Enhancing Language Learning in Study Abroad, Annual Review of Applied Linguistics.
• Robson, A L (2002) Critical/Sensitive Periods, in Salkind, N J (Ed.) Child Development, Gale Virtual Reference Library.
• Vanhove, J (2013) The critical period hypothesis in second language acquisition: a statistical critique and a reanalysis, PLOS ONE.
• Wilkinson S (1998) On the Nature of Immersion During Study Abroad: Some Participant Perspectives, Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad.