Improve Your Speaking Without Immersion

”Learn by doing. Theory is nice, but nothing replaces actual experience.” Tony Hsieh

Misconceptions

Have you ever heard phrases like: 

• ”The only way to learn a language is to live in a country where it it spoken,” or

• ”You have to immerse yourself in the language, otherwise you might as well not try to learn it at all. ”

That is 100% false. 

It might have been true before technology, but it sure isn’t today. 

It helps tremendously, without a doubt. It just isn’t mandatory anymore.

We live in the best era ever when it comes to learning tools, available knowledge and connectivity. The Internet has brought native speakers of 90% of the world languages closer together than ever before.

• You want to speak Arabic with someone in Egypt? You can do it.

• You want to learn Argentinian Spanish by speaking with a tutor? Nothing easier.

There you go. Another excuse NOT TO learn a second language has just vanished. You are feeling as though you won’t be able to extricate yourself from it, don’t you? Good. 

It means we can push to the next level.

Is it possible to learn a language without living where it’s spoken? 

Absolutely! 

You might have to use your imagination, your courage and/or pay some fees — but you can 100% do it. 

Can you learn it without ever speaking it?

 Well, theoretically yes. 

But it will be much harder, longer and inefficient. You probably won’t reach the confidence level you want when it comes time to speak. 

After all — you cannot just learn how to ride a bike… you have to ride it.

How do I find people to speak to?

It depends a bit on the type of person you are. 

• Extrovert? Kudos! You may find it easier and more natural. 

• Introvert? No worries — we’ve got you covered.

Extroverts

Depending on where you live, your options will vary, but your limits are mostly the ones you set yourself.

You can: 

- Take salsa lessons while learning Spanish.

- Search for language meetups in your local area.

- Look for teachers near you.

- Use your imagination: listen in public, and whenever you meet a native speaker, try small talk.

Stay alert

You know, when you buy a car or a watch, suddenly you see it everywhere?

It is as if everyone made the same purchase as you. The fact is, they are as present today as they were yesterday. 

This is called the Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, or frequency illusion: once you notice or pay attention to something, it seems to appear more often.

Apply this mindset to your language learning.

The city you thought was free of speakers of your target language might be full of them after all. They may not speak it in their daily activities, but they probably gather with their community a few times a week.

Ask yourself:

- Can you join them?

- Can you work with them? 

- Can you help them in any way (volunteering, services, etc.)?

By exposing yourself like this, you will speed up your journey to fluency. 

N.B. Be aware, you will learn it in a much more informal way. It is totally fine, but keep that in mind if you need to speak in a more formal context later on.

Reminder: Always be a giver before a taker.

Be genuine, listen, and show real interest.

You may be rewarded — or at the very least, you’ll have done something meaningful.

Introverts

The 21st century has made it possible to stay connected 24/7 with people anywhere in the world. The Internet has brought us a wealth of knowledge and opportunities, sure, but it came with a direct blow to our sense of belonging. It is also the first time in history that people feel this disconnected from society. It is a sad truth. 

One thing is certain though, it is the easiest time ever to be an introvert learning a new language from home. 

Everything is possible now and you should jump at the opportunity. 

Why:

• You can get out of your comfort zone just enough to make you grow. 

• You can improve both language and social skills.

• It might just be the best gift you can give your future self.

”A ship is always safe at the shore — but that is NOT what it is built for.” - Albert Einstein

Where to start? Where to look? 

Got some money

If you have money to invest in your learning, then there are no better places to go than iTalki. 

It connects learners of 130+ languages with tutors from all over the world.

You can choose between two types:

• Community tutors: no certification, lower cost

• Professional tutors: certified, more formal

One isn’t better than the other — it depends on what you need.

Don’t forget, the fit is the most important factor to consider. If you don’t connect well with the one you choose, it might hinder your progress.

🔗 For more info, check a full article on iTalki here.

On a budget

If your resources are thinner for the moment, then you can find people on language exchange platforms. 

They normally work as follows: 

- You speak half the time in your target language

- Then switch to your native language for the other person to practice.

✅ Pros: Typically free

❌ Cons: Inefficient (you only practice half the time)

Be mindful: some users are there mostly for their own benefit.

Final Thoughts

Yes, it’s scary.

Even for social people, it’s tough to have less control. 

But ironically, the earlier on your journey you are, the easier it is.

You’re expected to make mistakes — and people will often be happy to help when they see your effort.

The best part?

It gets easier the more you do it. Yes you will have ”bad” conversations from time to time, where nothing you try to say comes out the right way. It doesn’t matter. 

What matters is that you push through.

Eventually, you won’t hesitate to start a conversation just because someone speaks your target language.

📣 Pro tip: Combine those methods. You’ll reap even greater rewards and see what is possible.

✅ Action step

Evaluate your possibilities.

Take action now. 

• Sign up for that Salsa lesson. 

• Book a trial lesson on iTalki.

• Do something.

  
  

Don’t waste time pondering. Give it a go and tell us how it went!

👉 Got more questions? Head over to our Q&A Section—chances are we’ve already answered it (and if not, we will!).

👉 Ready to start your language journey? Grab our free guide “How to QuickStart Your Journey to Fluency” and take your first steps today!

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