There are two basic environments in which languages can be learned: informal, and formal. When a language is learned through immersion into the foreignlanguage community, we refer to it as an informal setting. When a language is learned mainly with an instructor and/or by using teaching materials, we call it a formal setting. Modern technology also increases opportunities forformal study of languages through distance education and independent study. |
Informal settings
It is unlikely, that an individual can achieve a high degree of speaking proficiency in a foreign language without spending a significant amount of time immersed in the community where it is spoken. Most learners need to spend some time living and studying abroad to achieve high levels of speaking and listening proficiency. High level skills in reading and writing, however, can be achieved without this kind of immersion. Some learners who become immersed in a language community without the benefit of earlier or ongoing formal instruction may learn to speak fairly fluently but will continue to make grammar mistakes. These mistakes may eventually "fossilize" and resist change thereafter, even when a deliberate attempt is made to work on them. This is found in the speech of some immigrants. However, a great percentage of people can become both accurate and fluent through prolonged exposure to the language in its natural setting, even without any formal instruction. |
Formal settings 
In formal environments, learning is generally arranged around specific topics, tasks, and learning activities. This provides an opportunity to learn the language in a controlled sequence, with the instructor providing feedback. Formal classroom environments do not always offer strong motivation to communicate or to observe the way language is used in real life. However, they have the advantage of emphasizing accuracy, allowing learners to become aware of the rules of the language. This, in turn, helps them notice appropriate language forms in the language to which they are exposed, and to self-correct their own errors. Beginning and intermediate learners benefit most from traditional face-to-face classrooms with lots of structured instruction and corrective feedback. Such classrooms become less important for more advanced learners who need more language input than classrooms can provide. |
Distance learning  Although the label "distance learning" could be applied to any situation where students are learning at remote sites, the term is normally restricted to teaching via long-distance telecommunication technology. Two-way communication between teacher and student can take place through e-mail, the Internet, and two-way video. The distinction between distance learning and traditional classrooms is becoming blurred as both increase their reliance on electronic technology. The strongest argument for distance education is its potential to provide instruction to students who, because of distance, time, or financial constraints, do not have access to traditional learning opportunities. Distance learning courses provide access to language courses that would otherwise be unavailable. This is particularly true of courses in the less commonly taught languages. Some of the other benefits include flexibility of scheduling, the possibility of proceeding at one's own pace, and the opportunity to study without leaving home.
Distance courses, unless offered via two-way interactive television, do not provide opportunities for communicative activities. They are better suited for more advanced learners, and for acquiring reading and listening skills. |
Independent study
Independent language study refers to following a language instruction program someone else developed, without a teacher and other students. You can do it at your own rate of speed, and at the time and place you choose. More and more materials in more and more languages are becoming available for individuals who want to study foreign languages on their own. The possibilities include some of the following: Be skeptical, however, of any courses that promise you can learn to speak Italian in three weeks or three months all by yourself. Whatever these courses promise, they cannot deliver communicative competence with that amount of exposure and in that amount of time. It takes at least several years of a combination of formal and informal learning to achieve significant competence in a foreign language. The demands of self-instruction, together with the shift of control from teacher to learner can be overwhelming, particularly in the early stages of language study. Difficulty in coping with the materials and assessing personal progress, perceived inadequacy of feedback, frustration at unresolved problems, and lack of opportunities to practice with others and share experience, are all factors that can adversely affect motivation levels. For independent learners, the conscious strategies of planning, monitoring and evaluating are of particular importance because of their role in self-regulation and the development of autonomy, both of which are necessary for success in independent study. |
Learning a foreign language in a community where it is spoken has its advantages and disadvantages, because outside the classroom and in the absence of an instructor, communication is not organized around learners' needs. On the other hand, informal environments offer unlimited opportunities for meaningful practice. In addition, the language to which learners are exposed, offers a great deal of information about appropriate ways of speaking in different situations. 
There may be no classes in your area that teach the language you want to learn. Your schedule may not permit you to attend classes that do exist. There are no distance courses available for the language you want to study. In these cases, self-instruction may be your only option. 