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.
- Terms in the Teachers' Perspective – English language teaching or ELT is the term which is widely used when the subject is referred to in the teachers' perspective. ELT is commonly used in English language teaching divisions of large publishing firms and in teacher training among others. TESL which is teaching English as a second language, TESOL which is teaching English to speakers of other languages and TEFL which is teaching English as a foreign language are also other terms in usage.
- Terms in the Students' or Learners' Perspective – Aside from the various terms being used in referring to English as a second language, there are more terms being used in the field of ESL. They include EAL or English as an additional language, EIL or English as an international language, ELF or English as a lingua franca, ESP which is English for special purposes or English for specific purposes and EAP which is English for academic purposes. Lingua franca means working language, bridge language or vehicular language. Students learning English are referred to as ELL which means English language learner, LEP meaning limited English proficiency and CLD to mean culturally and linguistically diverse.
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.
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