What Does ESOL Mean? A Complete Guide to ESOL, ESL, TESL, and TESOL
If you’ve ever asked, “What does ESOL mean?”, you’re not alone. ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages and refers to English language instruction for learners whose first language is not English. With an estimated 1.5 billion people worldwide learning English, it’s useful to know the abbreviations and the acronyms used to describe the English language community. This article will outline the main terms and also dig a little deeper into what they actually mean.
A Brief History of the Term ESOL
The term ESOL gained popularity in the late 20th century as educators recognized that English is not always a learner’s second language. The 1960s saw a significant influx of immigrants into the United States, leading to the development of large-scale government-sanctioned bilingual programs. Many immigrants were learning English as a third or fourth language, especially in multilingual societies which made the term ESL (English as a Second Language) too limiting. As a result, ESOL became a more inclusive and widely accepted term, especially in the USA and in international education. However, the term ocontiues to evolve, with some organizations preferring alternatives like ELL (English Language Learner) or EAL (English as an Additional Language),
Who Are ESOL Students?
ESOL students are people learning English as an additional language. They may include:
- Immigrants or refugees
- International students
- Children from homes where English is not spoken
- Adults seeking work or new opportunities in English-speaking countries
These learners can be of any age and educational background.
ESOL vs ESL: What’s the Difference?
Though often used interchangeably, there are key differences:
- ESL = English as a Second Language (implies English is the second language) Typically refers to the teaching and learning of English by non-native speakers in an English-speaking country.
– The focus is often on helping learners integrate into an English-speaking environment, such as schools or workplaces.
– It implies that English is the learner’s second language, following their native language. - ESOL = English for Speakers of Other Languages (more inclusive of multilingual learners) A broader term that encompasses all learners of English whose first language is not English, regardless of their location.
– It can include students who are learning English in their home countries or in countries where English is the dominant language.
– This term is more inclusive as it considers learners who may have multiple languages and does not strictly categorize English as a second language.
ESOL for Kids vs ESOL for Adults
| ESOL for Kids | ESOL for Adults |
|---|---|
| Focuses on academic English, often integrated into public school programs. | Focuses on everyday and workplace English. |
| Emphasizes academic language and literacy needed for school. | May include life skills, citizenship preparation, or job readiness. |
| Students develop language and academic skills simultaneously. | Often taught in adult education centers or community colleges. |
| Includes support for social-emotional development. | Adults may already be literate in their first language and need functional English. |
ESOL in the U.S. Education System
In the U.S., ESOL programs are offered in various settings:
- K–12 Schools: ESOL services help English Language Learners (ELLs) succeed in mainstream classes.
- Adult Education: Community colleges and adult learning centers provide practical English instruction.
- Higher Education: Colleges support international or immigrant students with ESOL programs and tutoring.
Many ESOL programs are primarily funded through a combination of state, local, and federal sources and particularly Title III of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
So what is ESOL?
Whether you’re comparing ESOL vs ESL, or trying to understand the role of TESOL in language teaching, it’s clear that there are some subtle and stark differences between the terms. Just like the English language, the terms can overlap and carry more than one meaning depending on the context. In sptire of this, the conversation about more inclusive terms tells us that the world of English language learning is growing, and will continue to play a key role in helping learners thrive in school, work, and everyday life in English-speaking environments.