What is the difference between EFL and ESL?
EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and ESL (English as a Second Language) are two key acronyms in the world of English language teaching, each representing a different learning context. EFL refers to learning English in a country where English is not the primary language. In this setting, students typically have limited exposure to English in their daily lives, and the language is studied more as an academic or foreign subject. Examples include learning English in countries like Japan, Brazil, or France.
Conversely, ESL is used when English is being learned in an English-speaking country, where English is the dominant language of communication. This often includes immigrants or non-native speakers residing in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia, who are learning English to better integrate into the community and everyday life. The key difference lies in the environment: EFL students learn English in a non-English-speaking setting, while ESL students do so in an English-speaking context.
Table of Contents
What do EFL and ESL actually stand for?
What are the main differences between EFL and ESL?
Teaching strategies for English as a second language
Teaching strategies for English as a foreign language
What do EFL and ESL actually stand for?
EFL and ESL are used to refer to the two main types of English language learning that occur around the world. While it is not essential to understand these definitions, as they are regularly used interchangeably by many people working in this field, it never hurts to be clued up when it comes to job interviews, conversing with management, or simply when bantering with work colleagues. The technical definitions are:
- EFL (English as a Foreign Language) is used to refer to the study of English in any country where English is not commonly spoken.
- ESL (English as a Second Language) is used to refer to the study of English in a country where English is commonly spoken.
What are the main differences between EFL and ESL?
The main differences between EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and ESL (English as a Second Language) lie in the immersion level and cultural exposure experienced by learners. ESL, where English is learned in a country where it is the primary language, offers a more immersive experience. Students are constantly exposed to English in various aspects of daily life, such as at work, through local media, and in social interactions. This environment facilitates a more natural and comprehensive language acquisition process.
In contrast, EFL refers to learning English in a non-native English-speaking country. Here, exposure to the language is largely confined to the classroom, making the learning experience less immersive. EFL students typically have limited opportunities to practice English in real-life situations and may not frequently interact with native English speakers. Additionally, cultural nuances and colloquial language usage are harder to grasp in EFL settings, as these elements are best learned through everyday social interactions, which are more accessible to ESL learners. Thus, while both EFL and ESL focus on English language acquisition, the context and depth of language immersion significantly differ.
Teaching strategies for English as a second language
As ESL students have a genuine need to learn English in order to get by in their daily lives, it is essential that they are taught practical areas of language use in the early stages. Things such as asking for directions, discussing prices, filling out forms, etc, will go a long way to helping new arrivals fit into an unfamiliar environment. However, important areas of the language such as the tenses and other grammar subjects should not be overlooked as these will be just as important once the basics have been mastered.
Another area that is important in an ESL environment is learning about the local culture. During normal lessons it is extremely helpful to include content related to the history of the country you are in, its festivals and celebrations, and common etiquette to ensure the students are able to quickly adapt to life in their adopted country.
Teaching strategies for English as a foreign language
Probably the biggest challenge facing many EFL students and teachers is motivation, due to the lack of regular exposure to English. To tackle this important issue it is vital that the teacher implements a range of tactics that are designed to keep the morale of the class at a high level. Lessons and the individual activities within them should always be engaging and of interest to students. Using culturally relevant things such as music, film, and literature can all be a great help, as can the simple act of conversing with native English speakers. Native English speaking teachers will obviously have an advantage here, but you can also introduce activities such as English speaking pen pals and inviting non-teachers to visit the class and get involved.
