English as a Second Language

Guide Note

English as a Second Language, or ESL, courses can differ depending on which dialect of English is being taught — British English, American English, Indian English, etc. Some teachers have moved towards teaching EIL, or English as an International Language.

While English is no more complex than any other language, it has several unique characteristics that can make it difficult for new speakers. The most common mistakes made by language learners occur in the areas of syntax and pronunciation. Fortunately, because so many people are learning to speak English, there are a number of products available on the market for all types of learners.

Fast Facts

1. Language Family: Indo-European
2. Number of Speakers: 1.8 billion speakers worldwide
3. Official Language: 53 countries including the United States and England
4. Major Dialects: American English, British English, Caribbean English, South African English

1. Cambridge ESOL General English Exams
2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System
3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
4. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
5. TSE (Test of Spoken English)
6. TWE (Test of Written English)

1. BE: Business English
2. EAL: English as an additional language
3. EAP: English for academic purposes
4. EFL: English as a foreign language
5. EIL: English as an international language
6. ELF: English as a lingua franca
7. ELL: English language learner
8. ESL: English as a second language
9. ESOL: English for speakers of other languages
10. EST: English for science and technology
11. TEFL: Teaching English as a foreign language
12. TESL: Teaching English as a second language
13. TYLE: Teaching Young Learners English