ESL And EFL: What’s The Difference?

Timely…just discussed this today in class.

I often contrast EFL against ESL from the students’ point view on location and availability of the language. ESL as you describe it, for use perhaps outside the home in a country or place such as the US. I’ll then describe EFL as a language not dominant in a country, home or otherwise (such as Mexico).

I’ll also draw a comparison on class styles…an ESL class being complete immersion and with several other L1s (student mother tongues), while EFL classes are often homogeneous with a single L1 (all Spanish speakers for example). To me this presents different tools, particularly those with a focus on culture.

I find it interesting that you see EFL as more grammar-focussed. I often present ESL as more grammar-based, and EFL as more functional or communicative in that what cannot be done in ‘the street’ or the home should be practiced in the classroom. I see ESL as offering a chance to highlight grammar and drawing on outside the class experiences for communication.

But, I’ve never been one to follow strict definitions.

ESL is taught when students are living in an English environment and have opportunities to use English outside of the classroom in natural authentic contexts.

EFL is taught in countries where English is not the language of daily discourse and there are few if any opportunities to use English outside of class.

Canada & Australia are ESL contexts

Korea & Taiwan are EFL contexts

I’ve taught in both contexts, EFL in Turkey, Japan and Tunisia, and ESL in New York. I share Guy’s feelings about the relative grammar-based-ness of the two. This may be because my ESL experience has been at a community college in the US and and EFL experience has primarily been at private language schools.

In my classes here in NYC, there is really no need to get the students to pretend they’re in some situation or other to practice the language — they have to do that when they leave the classroom unless they’re living in a monolingual ethnic community like Chinatown. My current students are all studying English to be able to matriculate into regular degree programs, and therefore must past proficiency tests, etc, so I teach them a lot of grammar, writing, etc.

What I find to be the biggest difference is that since I’m teaching in a very multi-lingual context, the students actually have to use English in class. It’s either that or learn the other 15 langauges their classmates use in order to talk to each other. They also don’t expect me to know their languages for the same reason.

Lifestyle-wise, I’d have to say EFL is far more interesting as you as the teacher are the one having the traveling experience, learning a new culture and language, getting to see new things, etc. On the other hand, I love the ESL classroom. Prompts like “tell your partner about your country” are meaningful and interesting. I really enjoy watching and taking part in the intercultural interactions going on in the classroom — where else do you get to watch a romance blossom between a Moroccan and an Albanian? or see a Haitian Pentacost Christian debating religion with a Ivorian Muslim and a Bangladeshi Hindu?

I’ve no experience in Europe, so I’ve often wondered which is more prevalent (ESL or EFL)in countries there with strong English language experience? Or countries like India or Ghana or regions like Quebec.

Interesting comments - thanks for the feedback you guys!

First of all Guy: it makes a lot of sense to also take into consideration the make up of the class - and I see your point about teaching what they can’t practice on the street.

EFL Geek: I think I mostly agree, though I might ask more about “natural authentic contexts” - does this necessarily mean “with native speakers”? I think there are EFL students, at least some of the students I’ve taught in Europe, who do use English outside the classroom, say, regularly for work but with non-native speakers, but I still think of them as EFL students.

Richard: You add an neat element - cultural experiences for the teacher and the students. Good points here too!

In any case, it’s probably only so useful to define things - ultimately, what you do depends on the needs and wishes of your group of course. It’s excellent though to be able to get the insight of three such different teachers right her. Gracias - sorry EFL Geek, no Korea: thank you - and tessekul ederim!