English as a second or foreign language is the use of English by speakers with different native languages. Instruction for English-language learners may be known as English as a second language (ESL), English as a foreign language (EFL), English as an additional language (EAL), or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). English as a foreign language (EFL) is used for non-native English speakers learning English in a country where English is not commonly spoken.
The term ESL has been seen by some to indicate that English would be of secondary importance. For example, where English is used as a Lingua Franca in a multilingual country. The term ESL can be a misnomer for some students who have learned several languages before learning English. The terms English Language Learners (ELL), and more recently English Learners (EL), have been used instead, and the students’ home language and cultures are considered important.[1]
The way English learners are instructed depends on their level of English proficiency and the program contents provided in their school or district. In some programs, instructions are taught in both, English and their home language. In other programs, instructions are given in English, but contextualized in a manner that is comprehensible to the students (Wright, 2010). Adapting comprehension, insight oriented repetitions and recasts are some of the methods used in training. However, without proper cultural immersion (social learning grounds) the associated language habits and reference points (internal mechanisms) of the host country isn't completely transferred through these programs (Wright, 2010). To further complicate the syntax of the language is based on Latin grammar hence it suffers inconsistencies. The major engine that influences the language are the United States and the United Kingdom and they both have assimilated the language differently so they differ in expressions and usage. This is found in a great extent primarily in pronunciation and vocabulary. Variants of English language also exist in both of these countries (e.g. African American Vernacular English).
