TESL/TEFL: Teaching english as a second or foreign language

Abstract

Undoubtedly, teaching is a noble profession. Teaching provides a unique service to meet the educational needs of an individual or of society. Teaching facilitates learning and enlightens the society. Apart from achieving curriculum outcomes, teaching emphasizes the development of values-human values and moral values, and guides students in their social life. Teachers employ certain practices and updated techniques with suitable methodologies, from time to time, to educate students in all aspects. English is a global language today and it has brought about a revolution in communication, technology, education etc across the world. Teaching and learning English language has become a passion and a fashion for people across the world. English is taught and learned as a second language or a foreign language around the world. To meet the global requirements and grab the opportunities in terms of employment, everyone tries to learn English. English is the only way to most of the young graduates to get jobs or run their own industries. English is taught as a second language and a foreign language but there are basic differences between TESL (teaching English as a second language) and TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language). This research paper throws a light on these differences and analyzes how teachers adopt certain techniques in teaching English as a second language as well as a foreign language. It will be discussed in a comprehensive way in order to bring out the basic differences between TESL and TEFL and similarities also. Moreover, the outcomes of English teaching as ESL and EFL will be discussed.