ELT Terminology

ESL

English As a Second Language

If you are learning English in the United States, Australia, Canada or other English-speaking countries, the term could apply to you.

EFL

English as a Foreign Language

If you are learning English in a country where English is not common, then the phrase English as a Foreign Language (EFL) would apply.

EIL

English As International Language

The use of English by speakers of other languages as a common communication language.

TESL

Teaching English as Second Language

If you teach English in the United States, Australia, Canada or other English-speaking countries, the term could apply to you.

ELLs

English Language Learners

The term applies for learners of English language.

ELT

English Language Teaching

The term applies for teachers of English language.

L1

First Language

One’s native language.

L2

Second Language

The term is used to express language(s) other than native language.

EAP

English for Academic Purpose

English is used for instruction in an academic field.

ESP

English for Specific Purpose

English is used to focus on in a specific discipline such as business and aviation.

CALL

Computer Assisted Language Learning

(CALL) refers to the sets of instructions which are delivered with or with the help of computer technologies.

TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language

It is a standardized test of English which tests language skills.

IPA

International Phonetic Alphabet

It is used to represent sounds in English language.

EIL

English as an International Language

The term is used to express the use of English as lingua franca.

TPR

Total Physical Response

Created by Dr. James J Asher, TPR stands for a language teaching method in which body movements are integrated into language teaching activities.

ENL

English as a New Language

The term is used when learners start to learn English as a second for foreign language.

EAL

English as an Additional Language

The term is used when referring to learners whose native language is different from English.

SLA

Second Language Acquisition

In addition to being a discipline, the term refers to process by which learners learn a second language.

UG

Universal Grammar

The terms applies to Chomsky’s argument which expresses that human beings are programmed to develop language and people can create grammatically correct utterances that they have never heard before.

CLT

Communicative Language Teaching

The term refers to an approach to the teaching of second and foreign languages that emphasizes interaction as both the means and the ultimate goal of learning a language.

ZPD

Zone of proximal development

It is the space just above the learner’s current understanding, much like Krashen’s notion of i+1

CPT

Content Based Teaching

It is an approach designed to provide second-language learners instruction in content and language.

CALLA

Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach

Created by Chamot and O'Malley, the term refers to how language learning strategies can be integrated into the simultaneous learning of content and language.

You can download the following chart to compile your own ELT terminology.

If you would like to add to this part of our site, you are welcome to contact us.