Basic Glossary in ELE

 L1 and L2

In the context of language learning, "L1" refers to a person's first language, or their native language, while "L2" refers to a second language that a person is learning.

L1 is the language that a person has acquired naturally and has been exposed to since birth, usually from family, friends, and the community in which they grow up. L2, on the other hand, is a language that a person is learning as an additional language, either for personal or professional reasons.

The distinction between L1 and L2 is important in language teaching and learning because the two languages can influence each other in complex ways. For example, a learner's L1 can both help and hinder their acquisition of an L2, depending on the similarities and differences between the two languages. Understanding the relationship between L1 and L2 can help language learners and teachers identify areas of strength and weakness and develop strategies for effective language learning.

ESL and EFL

ESL and EFL are both acronyms used in the field of teaching English as a foreign language, but they refer to different contexts.

ESL stands for "English as a Second Language" and refers to teaching English to non-native speakers who are living in an English-speaking country. These students are immersed in an English-speaking environment and may need to learn English to study, work, or communicate in their new surroundings.

EFL stands for "English as a Foreign Language" and refers to teaching English to non-native speakers who are living in a country where English is not the primary language. These students are learning English as a subject in school or as part of their own personal or professional development and may not have as much exposure to English in their everyday lives.

While both ESL and EFL involve teaching English to non-native speakers, the context in which the language is being learned can have a significant impact on the teaching approach and the specific challenges that students may face.

TESOL

TESOL stands for "Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages." It is a broad term used to describe the field of teaching English as a foreign language to non-native speakers. TESOL encompasses a range of contexts, including teaching English to students in their home countries (EFL) or in English-speaking countries (ESL), as well as teaching English for specific purposes, such as business or academic English.

TESOL involves teaching students the four main language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, as well as grammar and vocabulary. TESOL teachers use a variety of methods and techniques to help students develop their language abilities, such as communicative language teaching, task-based learning, and content-based instruction.

TESOL is a growing field, as the demand for English language education continues to increase around the world. TESOL teachers may work in a variety of settings, including schools, language institutes, community centres, and private tutoring.

CALL

CALL stands for "Computer-Assisted Language Learning." It refers to the use of technology to support and enhance the teaching and learning of a foreign language. CALL can involve a range of technologies, including software programs, apps, online tools, and digital resources.

CALL can provide a range of benefits to language learners, including the ability to access authentic materials in the target language, practice language skills in a variety of contexts, receive immediate feedback on their performance, and interact with other language learners and native speakers.

CALL can also provide benefits to language teachers, such as the ability to customize materials and activities to meet the needs of individual learners, track students' progress, and provide more engaging and interactive learning experiences.

CALL has become increasingly popular in recent years, and there are now many different tools and resources available for language learners and teachers. Some examples of CALL tools include language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel, digital flashcard programs like Anki, and language exchange platforms like HelloTalk and Tandem.

ICT

ICT stands for "Information and Communication Technology." It is a broad term that refers to the use of digital technologies to manage and communicate information. ICT encompasses a range of technologies, including computers, software, the internet, and mobile devices.

ICT has had a significant impact on education, including language education, by providing new tools and resources for teaching and learning. In the field of language education, ICT has enabled the development of digital resources and online learning platforms, as well as tools for language assessment and feedback.

Some examples of ICT tools and resources for language education include language learning apps, online dictionaries and translation tools, virtual language exchange platforms, and digital language assessment tools.

ICT has also changed the way that language teachers and learners communicate and collaborate. Through online communication tools, learners can now connect with other language learners and native speakers from around the world, practising their language skills and gaining exposure to authentic language use in different contexts.

Overall, ICT has provided a range of new opportunities for language learning and teaching, enabling learners to access language resources and connect with others in ways that were not possible before.

CLT

CLT stands for "Communicative Language Teaching." It is an approach to language teaching that emphasizes the use of language for communication and focuses on developing learners' ability to communicate in real-world situations.

CLT was developed in the 1970s as a response to more traditional approaches to language teaching that focused on grammar rules and memorization of vocabulary. In CLT, the focus is on developing learners' ability to use language to accomplish communicative tasks, such as making requests, giving opinions, and expressing needs.

CLT involves a range of activities and techniques designed to promote communicative competence, including role-plays, discussions, problem-solving tasks, and project-based learning. CLT also emphasizes the importance of developing learners' listening and speaking skills, as well as their ability to interpret and produce written texts.

In CLT, the teacher's role is that of a facilitator or guide, rather than an authority figure. The teacher provides opportunities for learners to use language in meaningful ways and encourages them to take an active role in their learning.

CLT has become a popular approach to language teaching around the world and is often seen as a more engaging and effective way to teach language than traditional grammar-focused approaches.

EAP

EAP stands for "English for Academic Purposes." It refers to the use of English language instruction to prepare non-native speakers of English for study at English-speaking universities and colleges.

EAP programs focus on developing the language skills and knowledge needed for academic studies, such as reading academic texts, writing research papers, giving presentations, and participating in academic discussions. EAP courses also aim to familiarize students with the expectations and conventions of academic study in English-speaking countries.

EAP courses can vary in length and intensity and may be offered as part of a larger academic program or as standalone courses. They may be offered at different levels to meet the needs of learners with different levels of English proficiency.

EAP courses are often taught by instructors with expertise in both English language teaching and academic disciplines and may include collaboration with academic departments to ensure that the course content is relevant and applicable to the needs of students.

Overall, EAP programs are designed to support the academic success of non-native speakers of English and to help them meet the language requirements of their chosen academic programs.

ESP

ESP stands for "English for Specific Purposes." It refers to the use of English language instruction to meet the specific needs of learners who have a particular focus or purpose for learning English.

ESP courses are designed to develop the language skills and knowledge needed for specific contexts, such as business, law, medicine, engineering, or tourism. ESP courses focus on the language, skills, and knowledge that are relevant to the learners' specific needs and goals and may be taught by instructors with expertise in the relevant field.

ESP courses may include specialized vocabulary, language functions, and discourse patterns that are specific to the learners' area of focus. They may also involve instruction on the cultural aspects of the learners' field, as well as on the conventions of communication in that field.

ELL

ELL stands for "English Language Learner." It is a term used to describe individuals who are learning English as a second or additional language, and who may not yet have achieved full proficiency in English.

            ELLs can include individuals of any age and from any linguistic background, but the term is most commonly used in the context of education, where it is used to refer to students who are non-native speakers of English and who require support to develop their English language proficiency.

ELLs may be enrolled in specialized language education programs or may receive support through mainstream classroom instruction, depending on their level of English proficiency and the educational context in which they are learning.

Overall, the term ELL is used to acknowledge the diverse linguistic backgrounds and experiences of individuals who are learning English as an additional language, and to highlight the need for targeted support and resources to ensure their success in education and other contexts.

PPP

PPP stands for "Presentation, Practice, and Production." It is a teaching method that is commonly used in language education to introduce new language items or structures to learners and to help them develop their understanding and use of those items.

In the PPP method, the teacher begins by presenting the language item or structure to the learners in a clear and structured way, often using visual aids or examples to aid comprehension. The learners then engage in controlled practice activities to reinforce their understanding and use of the new language, often under the guidance and correction of the teacher. Finally, the learners move on to freer production activities, in which they use the new language item in more open-ended or communicative contexts.

The PPP method is designed to gradually build learners' understanding and confidence with new language items and to provide opportunities for both teacher-guided practice and student-led communication. It is a flexible method that can be adapted to different language items and learning contexts and can be combined with other teaching methods to provide a well-rounded language learning experience.

TBL

TBL stands for "Task-Based Language Teaching." It is a teaching method that is focused on using real-life tasks or activities to teach language to learners.

In TBL, the teacher selects or designs tasks that require the learners to use language to accomplish a specific goal or solve a problem. The learners work together to complete the task, and the teacher observes and provides support and feedback as needed. After the task is completed, the teacher and the learners reflect on the language used during the task and discuss how it could be improved or expanded in future similar tasks.

TBL is based on the idea that learners learn language best when it is presented in meaningful and purposeful contexts, and when they are actively engaged in using language to achieve a goal or complete a task. It is often used in communicative language teaching, where the focus is on developing learners' ability to use language in real-life situations.

TBL can be applied to a wide range of language items and skills and can be used in different learning contexts and with learners of different ages and levels. It is a flexible method that can be adapted to suit the needs of different learners and teaching situations.

IELTS

IELTS stands for "International English Language Testing System." It is a standardized test of English language proficiency that is used for admission to higher education programs and immigration purposes in many English-speaking countries.

The IELTS test assesses a test-taker’s proficiency in four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is offered in two formats: Academic and General Training. The Academic format is designed for students who want to study at the university level or for professional registration, while the General Training format is intended for people seeking employment or immigration to English-speaking countries.

The IELTS test is scored on a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest score. Test-takers receive a separate score for each of the four language skills, as well as an overall band score.

The IELTS test is widely recognized and accepted by universities, colleges, and employers in many English-speaking countries, and is often used as a requirement for admission or employment. It is administered by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English, and is offered in locations around the world.

TOEFL

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized test used to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It measures the ability of individuals to understand and use English in an academic setting and is commonly used as a requirement for admission to universities and other educational institutions in English-speaking countries. The test includes sections on reading, listening, speaking, and writing.