1 Acronyms Related to TESL

The acronyms near the top are seen on our website.

2 The Most Frequently-used Acronyms

CALL = Computer Assisted Language Learning

EFL = English as a Foreign Language (Studying English in non-English-speaking countries)

ESL = English as a Second Language (Studying English as a non-native speaker in a country where
English is spoken. Depending on where you are from,the term ESL may be more inclusive and
includes EFL. For some people the reverse seems to be true.)

L1 = "Language 1" = the student's native (primary or first acquired) language.

L2 = "Language 2" = the language being learned or studied

TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language

TESL = Teaching English as a Second Language

TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (It is also the name of an association,
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc.)

TOEFL = Test of English as a Foreign Language

TOEIC = Test of English for International Communication

3 Commonly-used Acronyms
5W's = Who, What, Where, When and Why

CBI = Content Based Instruction

EAP = English for Academic Purposes

ELL = English Language Learner

ELT = English Language Teaching (or sometimes Training)

ESOL = English to Speakers of Other Languages (Note: ESL and EFL are often used
interchangeably. This acronym is an attempt to make a generic term and then assign more limited
meanings to ESL and EFL.)

ESP = English for Specific Purposes / English for Special Purposes

FLT = Foreign Language Teaching

IEP = Intensive English program

IPA = International Phonetic Alphabet (or Association)

 LCD projector

LEP = Limited English Proficiency (or Proficient)

LL = Language Lab

NNS = Non-Native Speaker

NS = Native Speaker

OHP = Overhead Projector

SLA = Second Language Acquisition

TPR = Total Physical Response

4 Other Acronyms Related to TESL

BE = Bilingual Education

CALLA = Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach

CALP = Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency

CELTA = Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults

CLL = Community Language Learning

CLT = Communicative Language Teaching

CPE = Cambridge Proficiency Examination

EAP = English for Academic Purposes

ELL = English Language Learner

ESP = English for Special (Specific) Purposes

EST = English for Science and Technology

FEP = Fluent English Proficient (or Proficiency)

FES = Fluent English Speaker

GTM = Grammar Translation Method

LEP = Limited English Proficient (or Proficiency)

LES = Limited English Speaker

LMS = Language Minority Student

LSP = Languages for Special Purposes

 MLAT = The Modern Language Aptitude Test

NEP = Non English Proficient (or Proficiency)

OHP = Over Head Projector

SLA = Second Language Acquisition

STT = Student Talking Time

TEP = Transitional English Proficiency

TL = Target Language

TPR = Total Physical Response

TSE = Test of Spoken English

TTT = Teacher Talking Time

TWE = Test of Written English

VESL = Vocational English as a Second Language

5 Associations
BC = British Council

NCTE = National Council of Teachers of English (United States of America)

IATEFL = International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (United

Kingdom)

MLA = Modern Language Association

OCR = Office of Civil Rights

USIA = United States Information Agency

USIS = United States Information Service

IATEFL = International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language

ACTFL = American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (United States of America)

APA = American Psychological Association

For other associations, see iteslj.org/links/TESL/Associations/.

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