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English as a Second Language, or ESL, has many similarities to English as a Foreign Language, or EFL. In fact, the two types of learning may seem the same to some observers. However, there are some notable differences between these two approaches to learning English. The terms are often used interchangeably, but understanding the differences can help you to be clear when you speak of them. Also, the term Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is sometimes used in place of ESL or EFL, depending on the situation.

What Is ESL?

English as a Second Language, or ESL, is a term typically used in Canada, Australia, and the United States to refer to people who come to the country with another primary language and learn to speak English secondarily. It is also sometimes used to speak of people who live in a country where English is the official language, but the vast majority of the population speak another native tongue. Thus, English is the second (or third or fourth in many cases) language learned by the individual.

The goal of teaching ESL is to teach the individual to speak enough of the language to function within society. In other words, the goal is to help the individual function in their new country, attend school if applicable, and get a job. The goal is not to make the individual as fluent in English as he or she is in the native tongue.

What Is EFL?

English as a Foreign Language, or EFL, refers to learning English in a country where English is not the spoken language. This is in contrast to ESL, where the individual is learning the language in a country that has English as its primary language. In many countries, EFL is taught in the public school system, as English is quickly becoming an internationally important language. Sometimes the term EFL can be used to describe the learning of English in an English-speaking country when just visiting for a short period of time with the intention of learning the language.

Most people who learn EFL do so in order to graduate from their school program. Some will learn the language in their home country in order to help them succeed in their line of work if they are working for a company that has an international scope. For instance, someone living in India who learns English in order to work at a call center could be described as learning EFL.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Sometimes the term Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is used to describe both ESL and EFL. It is used in England, for instance, to replace the term ESL, as this term assumes English is the second, not third or fourth, language of the student. It is typically used when teaching immigrants, usually adults, as other terms are used within the school system when teaching non-native English speaking students. In the United States, however, the term TESOL has become an umbrella term used by people who teach non-native English speakers, regardless of whether they are teaching ESL or EFL.

As more and more people are immigrating to English-speaking countries and English continues to become the language of international commerce and trade, the need for both ESL and EFL programs that do a good job of teaching English to non-native speakers will continue to increase. The Internet is making it even easier for people to learn English as an additional language. The demand for these programs is not likely to decrease any time in the near future, so teachers who can teach English to speakers of other languages are going to have job security for many years.

More and more people today are learning English, and this is due, in part, to the influence of the World Wide Web. The ‘Internet Era’ has made it almost a necessity to know English at least somewhat. It has also made it easier to learn the language, even if access to quality English instruction is not readily available.

English Is the Universal Language Online

If you spend any length of time on the Internet, you will find that it seems to be designed for people who can read English. While many sites will have translations available, specifically internationally known sites and sites owned by international companies, the everyday website or blog that you might land on in your search is going to contain information in English. Translation programs may be available, but reading the site in English is going to be the best way to get your information.

Why is this? Perhaps English has grown to be the language of the Internet due to its prevalence in the economic world. English is the language of money and technology, two of the things that drive the Internet. The people with the money speak English, at least as a secondary language, so by posting things in English online, you will reach the vast majority of your potential market.

English Can Be Learned Online

For those who do not know English, this may seem discouraging. However, the Internet Era has also sparked a change in the way people can learn English. It is now entirely possible to learn English online, even if you have a very small budget.

One way to learn English online is to enroll in an English as a Second Language course. These courses vary tremendously in their effectiveness and cost. The best programs are going to cost quite a bit, but if you need to learn English for your job, this may be the best option. These online courses typically have reading, writing, and listening components. Some may require a microphone so you can speak the language as well.

If enrolling in an online course is out of your budget, you can learn English for free online with a little creativity and persistence. There are multiple websites that will post grammar rules, vocabulary, and learning exercises for you to access without paying anything. Even if you are enrolled in a course, these sites can help you prepare for tests and projects.

The Internet is also full of games that can make learning English fun. This will help encourage students to stick with their decision to learn the language. Again, many of these programs are offered free of charge.

The World Wide Web also provides English learners with the chance to interact with English speakers on a regular basis. Forums, chats, and online communities allow learners to practice written English in a non-threatening environment. Surfing the Internet can help learners practice reading English as well.

Considerations When Learning English Online

If you are going to use the Internet to help you learn English, keep a few things in mind. First, many websites have content that is not written using proper English grammar. Use websites as sources of conversational English information, not proper grammar.

If you choose to enroll in an online program, determine what dialect of English you want to learn. There are quite a few differences between British and American English, for example. Then, make sure the program has a good reputation before you pay anything. With so many free options available, you need to make sure you are getting your moneys worth.

Finally, the computer will never substitute for personal conversations with English speakers. Once you have the basics down, find a way to converse with native English speakers. You may even be able to use the computer for this by taking advantage of video chatting programs, but make sure you get the chance to practice what you have been learning.

If you can speak English, you will probably be able to communicate with someone in just about any major country you could visit. While not everyone speaks this language, Learn English is truly a dominant language spoken by millions across the globe. Experts state that around a third of the world’s population speaks English as their native language, and many more study it as a second language. What caused English to spread beyond the bounds of the British Isles and become such an important player in global communication? The answer begins with a look at the language’s original speakers, the English.

English Dominance in the 19th Century

In the 19th century the British Empire was truly a global empire. As some said at the time, “the sun never sets on the British Empire.” Great Britain held colonies on every continent, and the trade language in those areas was English. By the end of the 19th century, the British Empire’s reach was global, and the language was also becoming global. This influence continued into the 1900s, and by 1922 the British Empire had an influence over around 458 million people, close to a quarter of the world population of the time, which meant that knowing English was important.

The Rise of America as a Global Power

Even though it is a relatively young country in light of world history, the United States has become a global superpower, specifically after World War II. America has a hand in politics, economics, and culture around the world. As such, English is becoming more and more important as a global language. When you add the influence of America in today’s global economy to the historic and current influence of Great Britain, understanding English becomes almost essential to carrying out business in the current economic market.

English Is the Language of Technology and Science

As you browse the World Wide Web, you will find that most websites are in English or have an English translation available. This shows how influential English is in the world of technology. Since many of the technological devices created across the globe are marketed heavily in America, they are designed with English-speaking users in mind. You can see this in the design of the computer keyboard. Most standard keyboards contain the standard letters of the English alphabet, which is further proof that English is the language of technology.

In addition, English is the language of science. The Science Citation Index reports that over 95 percent of all of its documents are English documents, even though a majority of them are writing by non-native English speakers. The medical community also uses English as a unifying language, making it essential for doctors to learn if they wish to be able to read reports and journals about the latest medical breakthroughs.

English is the Language of International Organizations

When multiple countries come together, they must choose a language to speak. Often the language chosen is English. The official language of the United Nations, for instance, is English. The same is true for the International Olympic Committee. At the Olympics, announcements are made in the language of the host country and in English. English is also one of the official languages of the European Union.

Other Uses of English Cause It to Have Global Impact

English is the international language of many industries, including banking, computing, business, diplomacy, and even entertainment. An international treaty aimed at making communication easier made Learning English online the official language of aviation and maritime activities.

The list of industries or functions where English is one of the main languages spoken is truly never ending. The simple fact is that since the late 1800s, English has been spoken in more locations across the globe than any other language, and that fact, coupled with the economic and political power of the United States and Great Britain, means that English will continue to have massive impact on the global economy in the future.

Australia, Great Britain, and America all speak the same language, but you simply have to visit each country to realize that, while they all speak English, it is far from a universal language. The English spoken in Great Britain, America, and Australia has many similarities, but a surprising number of differences as well. The main reason for this is the vast distance between each country. Here are some of the common differences you will find between these three versions of English.

Pronunciation Differences

Pronunciation between the three types of English is very dissimilar. In American English the “r” at the end of the word almost always affects its pronunciation, whereas in Australian and British English the “r” is often silent. Also, the emphasis placed on the syllables of the word varies from British, Australian, and American English. In Britain, the world adult has the emphasis on the first syllable, whereas in America it is placed on the second half of the word. Australian English is unique in the fact that many words have sounds that are eliminated. Instead of saying good day, the Australian speaker says g’day. The main pronunciation difference between the three, however, is the pronunciation of the vowel sounds.

Differences in Spelling

Not only do the three types of Learning English sound different, but they are also spelled differently. In some ways, the spelling reflects the difference in pronunciation. For instance, Americans use the world airplane to refer to a flying mode of transportation. In Great Britain, the word is aeroplane, and it is pronounced with an audible “o” sound. Another common difference in spelling is aluminium, which is the UK spelling, and aluminum, the US spelling. Again, the difference shows the difference in pronunciation of the two words. In this instance the Australian spelling is the same as the UK spelling.

Another common spelling difference between UK English and American English is the use of -our verses -or at the end of the word. For instance, in the UK, colour, flavour, honour, and similar words all end in -our, whereas in America they are spelled with the -or ending (color, flavor, honor). In Australia, the -our spelling is almost universal.

Similarly, the endings -re and -re are different between the different English dialects. In America you will go to the theater or fitness center, whereas in Britain you will visit the theatre or fitness centre. Again, Australian English follows the British pattern.

There are other common spelling differences as well. For instance, in American English, words that sound as though they end with an -ize will always end in an -ize. However, in UK English, they typically end in ise (i.e. realize, realise). Also, British English often doubles consonants when adding a suffix when American English does not, such as in the world traveller.

Interestingly, the three languages also have distinct vocabularies. For instance, the “hood” of a car is called the “bonnet” in Australia and Britain. Australia has several terms that are not used in either of the other countries, such as “bloke” (man) and “arvo” (afternoon). Also, Australians use some phrases that are combinations of British and American terms, such as “rubbish truck.” Rubbish is commonly used in the UK, and truck is commonly used in America.

Grammar Distinctions

Besides spelling and pronunciation differences, British, American, and Australian English all have some subtle grammar differences as well. For instance, in Great Britain, it is perfectly acceptable to use a collective noun (such as army) as a plural word (”the army are coming”), whereas in America collective nouns are almost always singular (”the army is coming”). British English also uses the irregular form of the past participle of several verbs (learnt rather than learned). Also, British English tends to drop the definite article in some situations. For instance, British English speakers may refer to being “in hospital” instead of “in the hospital.” Australian English grammar tends to follow British rules.