Some of us there are being confused if EFL stands for "English as a First Language", or "English as a Foreign Language"? May you help? Thank you in advance.What is EFL?
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What is EFL?
Some of us there are being confused if EFL stands for "English as a First Language", or "English as a Foreign Language"? May you help? Thank you in advance.
Shuntang, I don't know why you're asking after Revel just answered your question, but here's another try. In the context :
"I am an EFL teacher." or "I teach EFL." the 'f' will generally/usually stand for 'foreign' (although, you never know, somebody just might use the 'f' for something else one day)
However, in the context :
"I am an ESL teacher." or "I teach ESL" the 's' does indeed stand for 'second'. It is perhaps because of this particular abbreviation (ESL) that might make you think that "EFL" refers to a first language. Personally, I don't know of any abbreviation for teaching English as a first language (I guess we usually just say that we teach English to native speakers?)
I'll assume you already understand why we EFL/ESL teachers distinguish between the two, right?
"I am an EFL teacher." or "I teach EFL." the 'f' will generally/usually stand for 'foreign' (although, you never know, somebody just might use the 'f' for something else one day)
However, in the context :
"I am an ESL teacher." or "I teach ESL" the 's' does indeed stand for 'second'. It is perhaps because of this particular abbreviation (ESL) that might make you think that "EFL" refers to a first language. Personally, I don't know of any abbreviation for teaching English as a first language (I guess we usually just say that we teach English to native speakers?)
I'll assume you already understand why we EFL/ESL teachers distinguish between the two, right?
Wjserson,
I didn’t know what is EFL, so I asked for the acronym. But when you said this:
you presupposed that I’ve already known what EFL is, but I don’t know!!
Do you mean you are a teacher with English as a First Language? or
Do you mean you are a teacher with English as a Foreign Language?
They are clearly different, and you have to note it clearly first.
Or are they the same thing? I really don't know.
For example, you guess what kind of teachers is in the following:
Ex: EFL Teachers are outgoing, flexible, resourceful, open-minded, and dedicated people.
http://cdc.richmond.edu/multimedia/care ... acher.html
They are talking about English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teachers -- maybe that is what you and Revel are pointing at.
It is these websites that puzzle me:
Ex: EFL - English as a foreign language
http://www.ebcoxford.co.uk/english_language/efl.htm
Also, as I searched for both “English as a foreign language” and “English as a frist language”, they all take it as EFL for granted.
Therefore, really, I don’t know what you are talking about. But I do not mean anything bad.
I didn’t know what is EFL, so I asked for the acronym. But when you said this:
"I am an EFL teacher." or "I teach EFL."
you presupposed that I’ve already known what EFL is, but I don’t know!!
Do you mean you are a teacher with English as a First Language? or
Do you mean you are a teacher with English as a Foreign Language?
They are clearly different, and you have to note it clearly first.
Or are they the same thing? I really don't know.
For example, you guess what kind of teachers is in the following:
Ex: EFL Teachers are outgoing, flexible, resourceful, open-minded, and dedicated people.
http://cdc.richmond.edu/multimedia/care ... acher.html
They are talking about English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teachers -- maybe that is what you and Revel are pointing at.
It is these websites that puzzle me:
Ex: EFL - English as a foreign language
http://www.ebcoxford.co.uk/english_language/efl.htm
Also, as I searched for both “English as a foreign language” and “English as a frist language”, they all take it as EFL for granted.
Therefore, really, I don’t know what you are talking about. But I do not mean anything bad.
EFL
Hello.
Unless someone else corrects me I will make the following assertation:
EFL means English as a Foreign Language.
That should be clear enough. I am unaware of any other significance for that combination of capital letters.
In Spain, ESL is what we teach in academies, that is, we are trying to make English a second communicative device for our students. EFL is what is taught in the public schools, that is, it is another school subject as maths or social studies, without the objective of making it a useful communication tool. It's like, in the States, having two years of Foreign language as a prerequisite to enter university: they don't care if it becomes your second language, it is having studied a language that is not your own that is important.
Hope I have been clear enough!
peace,
revel.
Unless someone else corrects me I will make the following assertation:
EFL means English as a Foreign Language.
That should be clear enough. I am unaware of any other significance for that combination of capital letters.
In Spain, ESL is what we teach in academies, that is, we are trying to make English a second communicative device for our students. EFL is what is taught in the public schools, that is, it is another school subject as maths or social studies, without the objective of making it a useful communication tool. It's like, in the States, having two years of Foreign language as a prerequisite to enter university: they don't care if it becomes your second language, it is having studied a language that is not your own that is important.
Hope I have been clear enough!
peace,
revel.
What's more....
What's more, I've checked the two links offered by Shun and see no reason for confusion. The first link takes us to a page where the title is, in nice big black letters on top of everything:
"English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teacher"
Having thus defined "EFL" they use the letters throughout to mean what they say. In the second link we find:
"EFL - English as a foreign language" right there at the top of the page again, thus clearly defining what they mean by EFL on their website. I personally see no reason for confusion.
Doing a search on the words "English as a First Language" I found only one document with those exact words, something about scientists not expressing themselves clearly, could not load the document to review it, but it did not seem to be using the words "English as a First Language" as the title of a job or carreer choice. I have never heard of an "English as a First Language" teacher or course, but then I've not been everywhere, it might exist. In any case, Mr Tang should shed away his confusion, there is no need for it. He can rest assured that whenever he sees the letters:
EFL
the writer is talking about teaching or learning English as a Foreign language.
Again, hope I've been clear.
peace,
revel.
"English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teacher"
Having thus defined "EFL" they use the letters throughout to mean what they say. In the second link we find:
"EFL - English as a foreign language" right there at the top of the page again, thus clearly defining what they mean by EFL on their website. I personally see no reason for confusion.
Doing a search on the words "English as a First Language" I found only one document with those exact words, something about scientists not expressing themselves clearly, could not load the document to review it, but it did not seem to be using the words "English as a First Language" as the title of a job or carreer choice. I have never heard of an "English as a First Language" teacher or course, but then I've not been everywhere, it might exist. In any case, Mr Tang should shed away his confusion, there is no need for it. He can rest assured that whenever he sees the letters:
EFL
the writer is talking about teaching or learning English as a Foreign language.
Again, hope I've been clear.
peace,
revel.
Revel and Wjserson,
First I must say I truly believe in what you have said. And I’ve gradually seen the true face of the acronym EFL. Maybe I have to explain why I have got the confusion.
One may find such reference to EFL:
However, some people would take “English as a First Language” also as EFL:
Anyway, thank you for everything.
Shun Tang
First I must say I truly believe in what you have said. And I’ve gradually seen the true face of the acronym EFL. Maybe I have to explain why I have got the confusion.
One may find such reference to EFL:
Also some examples in this thread above.Ex: There are three types of speakers of English in the world today representing over 1.5 billion people: Speakers of English as a First Language (native speakers), English Speakers as a Second Language, and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Speakers.
http://www.planetellis.com/efl_data.htm
However, some people would take “English as a First Language” also as EFL:
If there isn’t an "English as a First Language" teacher, there are “English as a First language” (EFL) students, I guess. Therefore, there is a reason of doubt of what simply EFL is.Ex: Is there a significant difference between “English as a First language” (EFL) students’ rankings of their multiple intelligences on a written test in English, and their ranking of the same intelligence on a pictorial test?
http://www.aiias.edu/academics/sgs/info ... esting.htm
Ex: The “English As A First Language” (EFL) test is the best English skills assessment for persons who speak English only or for persons who speak English and another language(s) and consider their skill in English to be stronger than their skill in the other language(s).
http://www.evc.edu/new_student_orientat ... sting.html
Ex: Demographic information enquired whether the student were mature-age or not and whether they were an English as a Second Language (ESL) student or English as a First Language (EFL) student.
http://www.herdsa.org.au/confs/1996/therry.html
Anyway, thank you for everything.
Shun Tang
Shuntang,
For some reason, I have no disbelief that this inconsistency in the examples you gave would confuse you. I have a suggestion:
Instead of looking up "English as a First Language" on your search engine, look up "EFL" and see how many of the first 100 sites refer to what Revel and I are trying to explain to you. They do not relate to English as a first language at all. This is what I would consider a proper way to assess what the acronym "EFL" usually refers to.
There are indeed teachers of English to native speakers. I believe most of us 'EFL' teachers had to take English in school at one point or another. But we never referred to these classes as 'EFL' simply because it was our first language. Anybody disagree?
For some reason, I have no disbelief that this inconsistency in the examples you gave would confuse you. I have a suggestion:
Instead of looking up "English as a First Language" on your search engine, look up "EFL" and see how many of the first 100 sites refer to what Revel and I are trying to explain to you. They do not relate to English as a first language at all. This is what I would consider a proper way to assess what the acronym "EFL" usually refers to.
There are indeed teachers of English to native speakers. I believe most of us 'EFL' teachers had to take English in school at one point or another. But we never referred to these classes as 'EFL' simply because it was our first language. Anybody disagree?
Please be reasonable. If I just look up “EFL”, how do I know it only stands for "English as a Foreign Language"?Wjserson wrote:I have a suggestion:
Instead of looking up "English as a First Language" on your search engine, look up "EFL" and see how many of the first 100 sites refer to what Revel and I are trying to explain to you. They do not relate to English as a first language at all.
Actually, EFL often stays with ESL side by side for comparison, if ESL stands for “English as Second Language”, what should one think EFL stands for? Does EFL here stand for “English as Foreign Language”, so it is again English as a second Language? Does it make any sense we often compare “English as Second Language” with “English as Foreign Language”? To tell the truth, I have always taken “EFL teachers” as native English teachers, teachers with English as a First Language. It now turns out a would-be embarrassment for me. But as I have explained, I am not confused without obvious reasons. And I do not prepare to admit failure without a fair discussion. I am afraid your suggestion is not so convincing.Wjserson wrote:For some reason, I have no disbelief that this inconsistency in the examples you gave would confuse you.
On the other hand, how do you expand “EFL teachers” in your opinion? It expands fully as teachers with English as a foreign language? Or English-as-a-foreign-language teachers? Or teachers who teach English as a foreign language -- we don't accept native English students in the class?
Shun
OK, enough already.
In terms of meaning, ESL/EFL are roughly interchangeable. But:
ESL: predominantly American usage. By association with ESOL (English as Second or Other Language) can be more about the teaching of English to foreigners in the country of the target language (the US/Canada/Australia, for example).
EFL: predominantly British/European usage. More about English speakers travelling abroad to teach English.
In other news: the Earth is round. Really. Live with it.
Al
In terms of meaning, ESL/EFL are roughly interchangeable. But:
ESL: predominantly American usage. By association with ESOL (English as Second or Other Language) can be more about the teaching of English to foreigners in the country of the target language (the US/Canada/Australia, for example).
EFL: predominantly British/European usage. More about English speakers travelling abroad to teach English.
In other news: the Earth is round. Really. Live with it.
Al
In this case, it doesn’t need to be English native speakers to do this, thus violating Al’s excellent idea. I am afraid Al has to take it or leave it.Wjserson wrote:It "expands fully" as teachers of 'English as a foreign language' (meaning the subject being taught is English as a foreign language to the students who are learning it).
Wjserson, please live with it, as the Earth is round, really. Al is correct. EFL teachers are, as I have guessed correctly, English native teachers travelling abroad to teach English.
I don’t know why in discussion we have to tell others to live with it or take it or leave it. We must be extremely out of reasons.
Funny how....
Hey everyone.
Funny how a seemingly simple question can lead us to lengthy threads. Having been stimulated by some of the comments I offer the following.
http://www.allwords.com/index.php
(This one defines EFL as the rest of us do)
http://www.acronymfinder.com/
(gives a number of options, Eastern Federal Lands; Effective Focal Length; Emitter-Follower Logic; English as a Foreign Language; Entry Flight Level; External Financing Limit (UK))
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/
(says what we all have been saying)
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/
http://www.infoplease.com/dictionary/
(more of the same)
http://www.plexoft.com/
(interesting footnote to the definition: "Actually, there is a technical difference between EFL and ESL, though it is not strictly observed: EFL tends to involve homogeneous classes, with students having a common language that the instructor may know and use to a (very) variable degree. ESL, in contrast, tends to refer to more heterogeneous student group, probably of foreigners taught in an English-speaking country. In this case, the instruction must evidently be more of an immersion."
Finally, with the same results:
http://www.usingenglish.com/glossary/
I've not heard Al's definition of it, so won't argue it, though I don't agree that an EFL or an ESL teacher are necessarily natives, nor that they are either necessarily teaching in an English speaking country or abroad in non-English speaking places. Nor do I see any "American" or "European" differences in the two, I've heard both used by both Americans and English, as well as Spanish, Greeks, French, etc....
EFL can certainly have other meanings in other fields, but since this is an English teaching forum, I would stick with the Foreign and not with the First.
In the last four links offered by Shun, I would point out that in the first, where English as a First Language is mentioned, there is no acronym in parenthasis, whereas for English as a Foreign Language, it is obviously abreviated to (EFL), which is a writing standard that usually means that this term will be used in the remainder of the document in reference to whatever words were typed in before it.
In the second link, the author, a "PhD student in the Department of Educational Studies Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies" has used the same standard, firstly typing "English as a First Language" a following it with (EFL) which means that in her document the latter will always mean the former. Were I her tutor, I would encourage her to find a different acronym for this, as it obviously can cause confusion of terminology.
I have little to say about the Evergreen Valley College link, other than I would not agree with their use of EFL to mean "first" since "native" might be the more accepted more, especially in educational circles. Maybe they want to stand out as being different.
The last link is to a statistical study of tutorials in accounting. Though I don't blame the writers for not using the EFL "correctly" I would say, what are dictionaries for? And yet, when I looked in my favorite, Websters, they told me it did not exist (like ain't didn't for so many years!)
I've gone long enough about this I think. I would trust professionals in the matter or well known reference works before I would become confused by writing standards or misuse by those not in the field. That may be my answer instead of simply asserting English as a Foreign Language. As I say in my classroom, when in doubt, look it up!
peace,
revel.
Funny how a seemingly simple question can lead us to lengthy threads. Having been stimulated by some of the comments I offer the following.
http://www.allwords.com/index.php
(This one defines EFL as the rest of us do)
http://www.acronymfinder.com/
(gives a number of options, Eastern Federal Lands; Effective Focal Length; Emitter-Follower Logic; English as a Foreign Language; Entry Flight Level; External Financing Limit (UK))
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/
(says what we all have been saying)
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/
http://www.infoplease.com/dictionary/
(more of the same)
http://www.plexoft.com/
(interesting footnote to the definition: "Actually, there is a technical difference between EFL and ESL, though it is not strictly observed: EFL tends to involve homogeneous classes, with students having a common language that the instructor may know and use to a (very) variable degree. ESL, in contrast, tends to refer to more heterogeneous student group, probably of foreigners taught in an English-speaking country. In this case, the instruction must evidently be more of an immersion."
Finally, with the same results:
http://www.usingenglish.com/glossary/
I've not heard Al's definition of it, so won't argue it, though I don't agree that an EFL or an ESL teacher are necessarily natives, nor that they are either necessarily teaching in an English speaking country or abroad in non-English speaking places. Nor do I see any "American" or "European" differences in the two, I've heard both used by both Americans and English, as well as Spanish, Greeks, French, etc....
EFL can certainly have other meanings in other fields, but since this is an English teaching forum, I would stick with the Foreign and not with the First.
In the last four links offered by Shun, I would point out that in the first, where English as a First Language is mentioned, there is no acronym in parenthasis, whereas for English as a Foreign Language, it is obviously abreviated to (EFL), which is a writing standard that usually means that this term will be used in the remainder of the document in reference to whatever words were typed in before it.
In the second link, the author, a "PhD student in the Department of Educational Studies Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies" has used the same standard, firstly typing "English as a First Language" a following it with (EFL) which means that in her document the latter will always mean the former. Were I her tutor, I would encourage her to find a different acronym for this, as it obviously can cause confusion of terminology.
I have little to say about the Evergreen Valley College link, other than I would not agree with their use of EFL to mean "first" since "native" might be the more accepted more, especially in educational circles. Maybe they want to stand out as being different.
The last link is to a statistical study of tutorials in accounting. Though I don't blame the writers for not using the EFL "correctly" I would say, what are dictionaries for? And yet, when I looked in my favorite, Websters, they told me it did not exist (like ain't didn't for so many years!)
I've gone long enough about this I think. I would trust professionals in the matter or well known reference works before I would become confused by writing standards or misuse by those not in the field. That may be my answer instead of simply asserting English as a Foreign Language. As I say in my classroom, when in doubt, look it up!
peace,
revel.
