Reviews the development of the language immersion method to teach French in Canada in 1965, and discusses the spread of its use to other countries and other languages. The definition of "immersion" is briefly reviewed, and its efficacy is discussed. Finally, possible reasons for the method's success are examined. (12 references) (JL)

Overviews different kinds of language immersion programs and issues involved in their successful implementation. The Australian experience with such programs is highlighted, focusing on particular problems posed by resistance to language studies, perceived elitism, teacher shortages, immersion teacher training, student selection, immersion…