Learn English

ESL and EFL

What is ESL and EFL?

ESL stands for ‘English as a Second Language’ and EFL stands for ‘English as a Foreign Language’. These terms refer to the study of English by non-native speakers. ESL is primarily used in regard to teaching students English who are already in an English-speaking country, and need to learn the language to help pass exams, get a job or to advance their career. By contrast, EFL is generally used in reference to teaching English in a non-English speaking country in order to travel to an English-speaking country or simply to be able to work in their own country. For those intending to stay in their native country, English is often picked up as a skill to improve job prospects in multinational corporations or to assist in liaising with English speakers overseas. This is particularly relevant due to the global nature of commerce today and the widespread use of English as the ‘lingua franca’ or common language. The significance of the English language can be seen in its widespread use as 75 countries have English as their official language.

These two branches have developed into quite distinct divisions, requiring different training qualifications, using different teaching methodologies, emphasising different aspects of language learning (e.g. business terminology vs academic English or everyday English), and forming separate professional associations. English study as ESL or EFL can be undertaken at all levels of education- primary, secondary, tertiary and adult education.

Learning English

Learning a language isn’t always easy. It requires determination and focus, especially as language is a skill that develops slowly over time. Not only are the parameters of the English language enormous- with at least a quarter of a million distinct words (excluding jargon and regional variations)- but there are various aspects to language learning as well. These include speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, each with their own difficulties such as grammar rules, spelling rules, and pronunciation and inflection norms.