English as a second language

With the current state of global communications, it cannot be denied that learning English as a second language is a leading forerunner. It is easily the language of choice in most countries of the world. This is because of the fact that most of the developed countries have English as their primary language. Therefore, if one who is a non-native English speaker wishes to join the global exchange of information and business transactions, it is very important to learn English as a second language. The English language can be said in many respects to bring the world together. However, in spite of the large number of individuals expressing interest to learning English as a second language, teachers still encounter various difficulties in teaching English as a second language such as:

        When I first arrived in the United States last year as a Japanese international student taking up a bachelor's degree in business administration, I was not fluent in speaking English and my English grammar was not very good because I only took some basic lessons in English back home in Japan. So it was a good thing that before I arrived in the U.S., I selected a university that offered many courses that were conducted in English as a second language (ESL) classes.

         So when I started in the first semester at the university, most of the classes of my subjects are conducted as ESL classes and I felt relieved that most of the students in the ESL classes were international students just like me. Moreover, I also took an additional comprehensive English as a second language training course at the university so I could further improve my English grammar, my oral and written communications of reading, writing and speaking in English, and in talking with other native born students.

        As the weeks went by, and by the time second semester had started, my courses that were conducted in ESL classes and the English as a second language course I was taking had contributed in making improvements in my English grammar, on the way I write in English, and in my written and oral English communication. Aside from learning English, there were also other benefits that I obtained in taking an ESL course such as providing extensive knowledge on a wide range of topics that are taught in English including subjects in history, literature, mathematics and science.

        Just before the second semester had ended, I had become self-sufficient in my activities because during my free time, I was able to use the public transportation, understand street signs and direction, and talk with other people in asking for directions.

English as a second language, or ESL, is alternatively referred to as English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and English as a foreign language (EFL). It pertains to the use and study of English done by speakers who have a different native language. ESL and its alternate names have been associated with the teaching and learning of English.

The various abbreviations and acronyms used in the area of English teaching and learning can cause confusion. As a language, English has a great reach and influence; learning and teaching English is done because of numerous varied necessities. English is taught to learners who want to live in English speaking countries and those who have no plans whatsoever.