what is the difference between ESLand EFL (types of English learning)?

Answer 1

English as a Second Language. I guess EFL means as a first language. I thought that was just called English class. Maybe we are so politically correct now that we have to call it EFL so the illiterate immigrants won't feel excluded.

Answer 2

ESL is English as a second language while EFL is English as a foreign language. The primary difference between the two is as follows...
ESL the student must live in an environment where English is the spoken language.
EFL is where the student only needs to learn and speak English whiloe in the classroom. Thus, their primary language outside of their classroom is that of their origin.

Example...
A spanish boy attends classes for English as a second language. While at home, the child can speak his native language, Spanish. However, while in school, out in society, or anywhere outside of the house during his learning period, the child MUST speak and understand English fluently before he can graduate from the course.
If a spanish girl attands class to learn English as a Foreign Language (EFL), then the only time she is required to speak or understand English is while in class. Outside of class, whether it is on a break, lunch, or whatever the reason, she is permitted to speak her native language, Spanish.
Therefore, ESF requires a student to speak and understand English in a greater detail while EFL requires the ability to speak and understand English based solely from a class environment. The advantage to ESL over EFL is a better understanding of English by a student who studied English as a Second Language over the one who studied English as a Foreing Language. An ESF student will be more comfortable speaking English and will speak in English more often than a person who learned English as a Foreign Language.

Answer 3

The basic difference is that ESL (English as a Second Language) is taught to people who plan to reside in an English speaking country and is geared towards teaching lexicon and syntax used for natural speaking. EFL, (English as a Foreign Language) is taught to students who want to learn the language for the purpose of a better job opportunity in their own countries or for the ability to read and write in English. I hope that answers your question.

Answer 4

English as a *FOREIGN* Language.

If it were your 3rd (or later) rather than 2nd (ESL) maybe it would be EFL. Practically, I don' think it makes much difference.

Answer 5

The former gets a green card, the latter eliminates the need for one.