Where is the diffenerce between EFL and ESL?

Question

EFL means english as a foreign language. ESL means english as a second language.

Hitchhiker · Accepted Answer

I would assume they are very similar; maybe they change the meaning slightly for 'correctness'?

Raul · Answer

Actually, there is a slight difference.  EFL is taught in an environment where English is not the native language (for example, Peruvians learning English in Peru).  ESL is taught in English-speaking environments (i.e. a Peruvian learning English in the USA).  It is argued that in ESL, one "acquires" the language while in EFL you "learn" it (formally, tutored).  Of course, competence in ESL is gained faster while in EFL takes longer (if ever).  There's a lot to talk about this matter, indeed.

Bicknell · Answer

EFL = teaching in a situation where learners are for the most part going to use the English as a Foreign Language. Most likely less frequently that if it were as a Second language.

As a teacher I have taught EFL and ESL both. In Korea and Indonesia I often taught/teach in EFL because my students would use English as a foreign language. For example Mr. Smith arrives in Korea and needs help finding a bus to his hotel the Korean providing directions in English speaks Korean about 99.99% of the time and his English is used rarely to help a foreigner find his way in Seoul.

On the other hand a Chinese student at my High School was learning ESL because he was required to use English as a Second language in classes conducted entirely in English.

So in some sense EFL is really the use of English in situations where English is considered a non-essential or foreign language. Where ESL is considered in use most of the time and is necessary to function. The same Korean moving to Los Angeles would probably consider his English to be a Second language not a foreign language since he would have to speak English almost everyday.

So really the difference for EFL and ESL is the location of the person and what he is being taught. A class can be ESL if the students intend on using the English on a frequent basis or EFL if they are going to remain in their country where English is not often used.

Where is the diffenerce between EFL and ESL?

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