Just thought I'd share some of the really cool acronyms in the ESL field. Don't worry...they seem to always change!!! (got this off of http://www.teaching-esl-to-adults.com/esl-acronyms.html)
EFL
English as a Foreign Language
This is used when a non-native English speaker is studying English in a non-English speaking country.
ESL
English as a Second Language
Used when a non-native-English speaker is studying English in an English-speaking country. See Differences between EFL and ESL.
ESOL
English for Speakers of Other Languages
This term is more recent and is intended to be a more inclusive term (includes ESL and EFL).
TEFL
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
A TEFL teacher will be one who teaches English to speakers of other languages in non-native-English-speaking countries.
TESL
Teaching English as a Second Language
A TESL teacher teaches English to speakers of other languages in an English-speaking country.
TESOL
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc.
A more inclusive term for teaching EFL and ESL. The second definition is the name of a teachers’ association.
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEIC
Test of English for International Communication
CALL
Computer Assisted Language Learning
CELTA
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
Also called Cambridge CELTA. CELTA course locations are all over the world. Compare to CTESOL.
CELTYL
Certificate in English Language Teaching to Young Learners
CTESOL
Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Compare to CELTA.
DELTA
Diploma in English Language Training to Adults
EAP
English for Academic Purposes
ELL
English Language Learner
ELT
English Language Training or English Language Teaching
ESP
English for Specific Purposes or English for Special Purposes
FLT
Foreign Language Teaching
ICELT
In-service Certificate in English Language Teaching
For non-native English teachers already teaching English.
IEP
Intensive English Program
IPA
International Phonetic Alphabet or International Phonetic Association
L1
Language 1
Refers to the student’s first, or native language.
L2
Language 2
Refers to the new language that the student is learning.
LEP
Limited English Proficient or Limited English Proficiency
LES
Limited English Speaker
NNS
Non-Native Speaker
NS
Native Speaker
SLA
Second Language Acquisition
TPR
Total Physical Response
VESL
Vocational English as a Second Language
