ESL English as a Second Language

Welcome to the ESL English as a Second Language Webpage.

"ESL" is an acronym used to represent "English as a Second Language".

"EFL" is an acronym used to represent "English as a Foreign Language".

"ISL" is used by Spanish speakers to represent "Inglés como segunda lengua".

"ESOL" is an acronym used to represent "English Speaker of Other Languages".

"ELT" is an acronym used to represent "English Language Training".

ESL is used to indicate that English is not the first language that the individual has learned or uses as their first or native language. In fact for many language students English may be their third, fourth or fifth language. The term ESL is used to indicate that English is not the native language of the individual.

Many ESL teachers will refer to the individual's native language as "L1" and English as "L2" or the "target" language.

Individuals who are studying English as a second language can state "I am an ESL student" or "I am a student studying ESL" or use the full English words and state " I am studying English as a second language".

Individuals can clarify themselves by stating I am studying English as a foreign language, which for many means that you are studying English as an academic subject and do not plan to use English for actual communication. Individuals can also clarify themselves by stating that they are studying English Literature which is like the history of English Performance Art and do not plan to use English for actual communication.

ESL students usually study English Language listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary to be able to actively produce English conversation and writing and passively comprehend verbal and written English. The ESL students usually study in an interactive learning environment where they are provided with instructional input and are expected to produce both learned and original English language communication.

ESL students in a direct "L2" target language native teacher instruction program using full interactive programs are in an ESL communicative learning methodology program.

ESL students can also study ESL English using grammar translation, rote drills, English cloze exercises, ESL Call programs, ESL flash cards, writing vocabulary lists, writing learning diaries, using listen and repeat cassettes, recording reading passages and other English language learning materials and methods.

English is an "Official Language" in many countries such as Canada, the USA, the UK, and Australia. English is used by many countries as a second official language and in many cases as an unofficial second language. English is used as the global language of instruction for many computer hardware and software companies. English is also used as a universal language for business.

ESL students are adding a very valuable skill that adds to their resume.

For additional information about English Conversation Skills, click here.

For additional information about English Conversation Classes, click here.

Excellent professional ESL English tutors can help ESL students integrate all the English Language Conversation Skills necessary for ESL students to successfully converse with English native speakers or use English as the language of international business communication. Go to this ESL tutors page for additional information.

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