English as a second language

English as a second language is a common phrase which has related acronyms, including

• ESL, which means "English as a Second Language". This is most often used in a country where English is the primary language
• EFL, which means "English as a Foreign Language". This is most often used in a country where English is not the primary language
• EAL, which means "English as an Additional Language".
• ESOL, which means "English for Speakers of Other Languages". This term is usually used to refer to English instruction for adult immigrants to English-speaking countries. ^[1]
• ELF, which means "English as a Lingua Franca", a term relating to Globalization.

Each of these acronyms means roughly the same thing. In each, the learners already have another native or "mother" language, and they want to learn English as well.

1. ↑ "Common Acronyms in the TESOL Profession". www.tesol.org. Retrieved 2022-06-04.