English as a Second Language (ESL)
An Overview
What is English as a Second Language (and more)?
ESL refers to the learning of English within an English-speaking region, generally by refugees, immigrants and students. (The term has been criticised on the grounds that English may not be someone's second language but their third, fourth, or more.) TESL is the teaching of English as a Second Language.
EFL indicates the learning of English for eventual use in a non-English-speaking region. It can occur either in the student's home country (think of millions of schoolchildren around the world, sweating to achieve the level necessary to read this page as fluently as you are doing now), or, for the more privileged minority, in an anglophone country which they visit as a sort of educational tourist, e.g. after graduating from university back home. TEFL is the teaching of English as a Foreign Language.
If the many acronyms are confusing, it may help to simplify. ESL tends to concentrate on English for daily needs and for living in an English-speaking community, particularly for those newcomers who are immigrants or refugees. EFL tends to concentrate on English for academic success (whether in the local school exam system or in post-graduate study abroad), or for professional success, i.e. within an office where English is sometimes needed.
It is worth noting that ESL/EAL/EFL programs also differ depending on the variant of English being spoken; "English" is a term that can refer to various dialects, including British English, North American English, and other dialects. For example, students studying ESL/EFL in Hong Kong are more likely to learn British English, especially British idioms, which may make travel to the United States marginally more complex for them, as North American English uses very different idioms and slang. For this reason, many teachers of English as a foreign language now emphasize teaching English as an international language (EIL), also known as English as a lingua franca (ELF).
The preceding text is from Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia.
Resources
- Bilingual, Spanish, and ESL Literacy Resources
Spanish resources, using music and games and professional resources for teaching english as a second language. - ESL quiz center
Quiz yourself on geography, grammar, history, idioms, words, slang, people, reading comprehension, science, world culture, and writing. - ESL Cyber Listening Lab
Listening Lessons: 100 or so listening quizzes. Requires Real Media Player. - Dave's ESL Cafe
Stuff for teachers, stuff for students and stuff for everyone. - Traffic Signs
This is a listing of the most commonly used traffic signs in the United States. - Origins and Explanations of Idioms and Phrases
Example: This bedroom doesn't even have enough room to swing a cat. - Learn English
Free resources for ESL/EFL learners and teachers. - Literacy Support Center
Hundreds of links to resources: civics and governemnt, ESL/ESOL, family, finances/consumer, GED, health, history and geography, jobs and work, learning disability, math, organizations, reading, technology, and writing. - Activities for ESL Students
Easy, medium and difficult activities and tips for teachers. - King County Library System: Literacy and ESL Services
ESL services provided by the KCLS and links to other resources. - TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language
- The Tower of English
"The Tower of English is here to help ESL students and teachers quickly find the best places on the Internet to practice real English! You'll find about 300 fun and interesting websites in 34 different categories." - Business English Lessons for Adults
Plenty of exercises. - Many Things
Interesting things for ESL students: Quizzes, vocabulary study, puzzles, grammar fun, reading, word games, pages with sound and more.
