This article summarizes a thought-provoking video by Lamont, a language YouTuber (channel name: Days and Words) known for his honest and personal take on how people really learn languages.
In this episode, he takes aim at the word “immersion” — a term so widely used (and misused) in the language-learning world that it’s basically lost its meaning.
Lamont explains why the word is causing more confusion than clarity, especially for beginner and casual learners. He offers a clearer way to talk about different types of immersion — ones that actually help you learn.
This article aims to highlight Lamont’s key ideas, explain his new terms, and help language learners better understand what real immersion might look like.
Redefining “Immersion”
Lamont starts by pointing out a significant issue: language learners throw around the word “immersion” as if it’s obvious, when in fact, almost no one agrees on what it actually involves. Some people think it just means living abroad. Others think it’s about using language 24/7.
But the truth is, the term has become so overloaded that it’s lost its usefulness.
To fix that, Lamont proposes splitting the concept into two more precise terms: lifestyle language immersion and cognitive language immersion. This way, learners and teachers can stop talking past each other and start giving useful advice.
What Is Lifestyle Language Immersion?
This is what most people imagine when they hear the word “immersion.” It means living in a country or region where the language is spoken — and actively trying to use that language in your day-to-day life. Lamont emphasizes that just being there isn’t enough. If you live in Japan but only speak English, that’s not immersion. You need to be engaged in the language.
Interestingly, Lamont notes that lifestyle immersion can happen outside of the target country—but only if you regularly interact with fluent speakers in meaningful ways (like an all-Swedish meetup in Sydney).
What Is Cognitive Language Immersion?
Cognitive immersion means mentally surrounding yourself with the language, regardless of location. Think podcasts, books, YouTube videos, or talking to yourself in the mirror.
If you’re sitting in the Kenyan desert listening to Icelandic audiobooks — you’re cognitively immersed in Icelandic.
Lamont argues that cognitive immersion can be extremely effective — in fact, he learned Swedish this way and found that people in Sweden thought he’d lived there for years. He’s proof that you don’t have to move to learn.
Why the Distinction Matters
The average learner hears “immersion” and thinks, “Well, I can’t move to another country, so I guess I can’t learn.” That’s not true — and that misunderstanding holds people back. By separating immersion into two types, we can help more people see what’s possible.
Lifestyle immersion may offer benefits you can’t get any other way — like real-time feedback, cultural context, and spontaneous conversation. But cognitive immersion is often more accessible and can get you surprisingly far on its own.
The Real Takeaway About Immersion
If you’re learning a language, stop thinking of immersion as one mysterious monolithic method. Instead, ask yourself: are you immersing cognitively, through the content you consume?
Are you engaging in lifestyle immersion by speaking with others or living in the environment? Understanding the difference can make you a better learner — and help others get started without feeling overwhelmed.
Check out the full video above to hear Lamont’s full take!
Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.