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The Global Insight

What is English for Second Language?

Author

James Williams

Updated on March 26, 2026

English as a Second Language (ESL or TESL) is a traditional term for the use or study of the English language by non-native speakers in an English-speaking environment (it is also known as English for speakers of other languages.) Also known as English for speakers of other languages.

What is the difference between ESL and EFL?

ESL is the traditional label used for students who are studying English in an English-speaking country, like in the UK, Australia, USA etc. EFL students, on the other hand, predominantly learn English as a foreign language within their own native country (or a country that is not a typical English-speaking country).

Why English is a second language?

English is the World’s Second Language And a great deal of communication today in English is held between people who are non-native speakers. English is the common link between many origins and cultures.

Is ESL second language?

ESL stands for English as a Second Language and is used to describe non-native speakers of the English language. If you are learning English in the United States, Australia, Canada or other English-speaking countries, the term could apply to you.

Where is English second language?

The British Council estimates that more than 1 billion people are learning English as a second language at any given time. English is taught at school as a second language in hundreds of countries all over the world, from France to Thailand, Israel to Malaysia, in Sweden, China, and in many other countries.

How many speak English as a second language?

English is the world’s most widely spoken language but is unusual in the fact that the vast majority of speakers are not ‘native’. Of the approximately 1.5 billion people who speak English, less than 400 million use it as a first language. That means over 1 billion speak it as a secondary language.

Why is speaking English so difficult?

Another reason why a lot of people find speaking English to be difficult is because of the pronunciation aspect. And even worse, you might not even know your pronunciation is wrong because your ear isn’t trained to hear the subtle difference between your pronunciation and the correct one.

What are the main characteristics of English as a second language?

Listening and speaking skills approaching native English speakers in conversational English; however, academic oral proficiency is developing in specificity and complexity.

  • Reading and writing skills at grade with scaffolding, direct instruction and extra time.

    What skills can you perform using your second language English?

    The many cognitive benefits of learning languages are undeniable. People who speak more than one language have improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, enhanced concentration, ability to multitask, and better listening skills.

    What countries have English as their Second Language?

    Countdown Of The Top Non-Native English Speaking Countries

    1. Netherlands (71.45)
    2. Sweden (70.40)
    3. Denmark (69.93)
    4. Norway (67.77)
    5. Singapore (66.03)
    6. Finland (65.83)
    7. Luxembourg (64.57)
    8. South Africa (63.37)