The difference between ESL and EFL
by GetEnglishLessons on 12/04/10 at 12:00 am
ESL or EFL?
What do ESL and EFL mean? ESL stands for English as a Second Language. EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language.
ESL is used when people learn English in an English speaking country.
EFL is used when people learn English in a non-English speaking country.
Is this important? Not very, if you are a student. But there are some important technical considerations for teachers.
EFL Learners
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is teaching English in countries where English is not a language of majority. Current hot spots for EFL include South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China and Thailand. Students study English in their own country, as part of academic requirements in their school systems, or in preparation for travel or study in an English-speaking country. EFL students have years of grammar and vocabulary practice, but often need help with their listening, speaking and writing (the production skills).
The average EFL learner is intelligent, literate in his or her native tongue, stable both financially and as regards their schedule and residence, and eager to learn. They often come from similar backgrounds and will have goals and interests in common. Their motives may vary from learning English for business reasons to enjoying languages as a hobby.
Verbal communication is of primary interest to the students for whom the study is a personal choice rather than a necessity. Being able to carry on a casual conversation is of more importance than academic perfection.
ESL Learners
English as a Second Language teaching refers to teaching English in a country where English is already the main or official language. The United States, Canada, the U.K. and Australia are the major locations to teach ESL. Adult ESL speakers live or are planning to live in a country where their native language is not used for education, business and other activities, so they are under pressure to pick up “survival” language skills. They may enter these countries with advanced English ability, or they may be true beginners who can’t even say “hello.” Their children will enter public school systems and require intensive language teaching in order to attain English language levels that match their age and grade level.
These students will represent a diverse number of cultures. Their economic status may be low and their schedules hectic due to immigration, transportation and familial complications. They may arrive at night classes tired from working long hours, and humor may seem like a foreign concept to those whose families have been shattered by war or persecution.
ESL and EFL students have one great goal in common; the desire to learn English.
Although, academics often make much of such differences, the Cambridge University English Language Teaching qualifications make no particular distinction between the two. A qualified and competent English-Language teacher is able to adapt the course to the English language needs of any student, according to their individual needs and abilities.
Both ESL and EFL will continue to be growing job markets in the next few years. Whether you want to try teaching English as a temporary job, or as your lifetime career, you’re sure to find a variety of positions all over the world.http://www.eslbase.com/
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Information adapted from:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/multilevel-esl-games.html by Shelley Vernon
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