Almost without exception, the private language
schools and universities in Mexico use the translation method of
Spanish instruction. The translation method is a philosophy of second
language instruction in which there is an intense concentration of the
memorization of "surface" grammar rules and vast amounts of vocabulary.
You learn how to become a good "exegete" of a written text but have no
skills in verbal fluency.
This is also how almost all of the
American schools teach Spanish, or any language for that matter.
Language is taught the identical way that Ancient Greek or Latin is
taught. You come out of the course with translation skills. But, you
can't say anything more than, "Where's the bathroom?" and "May I have
the check, please?" If what you are looking for is spoken fluency, this
method isn't going to give you what you want.
So, someone
convinces you in your quest for the ability to speak the language to
come to Mexico to study Spanish. It is reasoned that your problem is
you are not Totally Immersed in the language. This mysterious term is
misconstrued to mean coming to Mexico and having the same translation
course taught to you as you had in the USA, only the instruction is all
in Spanish. After you wave good-bye to the thousands of dollars that
you flushed down the toilet, you are left with the same skills you came
to Mexico with in the first place.
The solution is to find a school that approximates, as closely as possible, an Immersion System.
"
Furthermore, immersion systems provide the individual with authentic
second language, enabling the person to achieve native-like fluency in
the second language." -- Harris Winitz, Ph.D. Language Development,
K.C., Mo.
Such a school exists in the heart of Zacatecas, Mexico. This colonial Mexican town is host to The Fenix Language Institute.
Check out this school's philosophy of second language acquisition.
