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immediate needs. In other words, CLIL provides plenty of opportunities for
incidental language learning; the kind of learning which occurs when the
learners’ attention is focussed on something different from what is being
taught. Incidental language learning has been shown to be very effective,
deep and long-lasting. It positively complements the intentional language
learning which typically occurs in the more traditional language classroom.
CLIL, in fact, is not intended to replace traditional language teaching.
Extensive research during the 20-year Canadian immersion experience has
in fact shown that unless more formal language learning takes place
alongside immersion, learners fail to acquire full mastery of the second
language.