Difference In Languages

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When approaching formal and non-formal language it's imperative to keep in mind that people are by nature designed to be different, therefore arguing which is more important is a waste of time. Based on cultural upbringing and life experience both play an important role in regards to teaching a student. Formal and informal language are used daily, though, both habituate different societal spaces and their ratios change. Either can bleed into each other when language becomes really interesting. The Use Of Formal Language The Use Of Non-Formal Language Things to Keep in Mind Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our ITTT graduate Thomas H. Defined simply formal language avoids "I",...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Anyone who has tried to learn a language as a second language is likely to express at some stage or another how difficult it is. We speak of absorbing our first language and having to work hard for our second. We will often look towards those who have learned more than one language at the same time, bilingual for example, as being lucky and that the path was easier for them. So, is the first language easier to learn and why, and can we use those techniques to learn or teach a second language? Language of Our Close Environment Artificial Process Which Language is Easier to Learn? Do you want to teach English as a second language? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kevin A. Please note that...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Second language acquisition is used to refer to any language other than the first language, so it refers to the acquisition of any language after the acquisition of the mother tongue. How do we learn languages? Why does a person need to learn a second language? What is assimilation? What is developing during second language acquisition? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Abdelkabir E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. It functions as a recognized means of communication among members who speak some other language as their mother tongue. For example; English as a second language is learned in...  [Read more]

The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. While this term is used for the physical act of actually teaching English abroad, it is also commonly used to refer to the training courses that many prospective teachers complete before heading overseas, as well as the qualification they receive upon successfully graduating from the course. By gaining a TEFL certificate it is possible to find work as an English language teacher in almost any country of your choice worldwide. TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages ELT - English Language Teaching TEFL Qualifications Choosing a TEFL Certificate Course Online or In-Class TEFL Course Finding a Teaching Job Teaching Hot...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a simple spot-the-difference worksheet to be done in pairs in your ESL classroom.   Share this worksheet with your ESL students and have them complete it in pairs.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

ESL (English as a Second Language) pertains to students learning English while living in an English-speaking environment. In contrast, EFL (English as a Foreign Language) is for students learning English in a country where it isn't the primary language. Essentially, the distinction lies in the learning context: ESL learners are surrounded by the language daily, while EFL learners study English in settings where the primary language isn't English. What do EFL and ESL actually stand for? What are the main differences between EFL and ESL? Teaching strategies for English as a second language Teaching strategies for English as a foreign language EFL and ESL represent the two primary categories of English language learning globally. While understanding these definitions isn't mandatory (since...  [Read more]

TESOL and TEFL, though frequently confused, address distinct teaching environments. TESOL encompasses teaching English to non-native speakers, whether in English-speaking countries like the U.S. or elsewhere. Conversely, TEFL is specifically geared towards instructing English in regions where the language is foreign. TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Where are TEFL and TESOL most commonly used? What are the technical differences between TEFL and TESOL? TEFL is predominantly used in the UK and Europe, whereas TESOL is the preferred term in the United States, Canada, and Australia. These terms, while often used interchangeably, indicate regional preferences for English teaching certification. Despite the difference in...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   The two prepositions "on time" and "in time" are widely used but also often used incorrectly. Let's take a look at the difference between the two below.   When something happens "on time", it happens at the planned time. = punctual = on schedule = at the arranged time = at the planned time = at the correct time = neither early nor late   The meeting was scheduled for 10 a.m. -> This means I wasn’t late. I arrived at the planned time. -> This means she never arrives at the correct time. She is never punctual.   When you are in time, you are early enough to have spare time, usually to be able to do something else. = before something happens = before the scheduled time = with time to spare ...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences In my experience, many teachers are not really sure about the difference between teaching ESL and teaching EFL in the classroom. In this post I will try to explain both situations and give some insight into each as they are actually quite distinct. The Basic Difference Potential Problems of Both Situations Typical Students of EFL and ESL The Importance of Speaking English in the Classroom Are you ready to teach English in an ESL or EFL classroom? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Amal S. ESL refers to teaching English as a Second Language in a English-speaking country where the student's native language is not English, while EFL refers to teaching English as a Foreign Language in a country...  [Read more]

Where are TEFL and TESOL primarily utilized? TEFL finds its main application in the UK and Europe, whereas TESOL is the preferred terminology in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Despite their interchangeable usage, these terms reflect regional preferences for English teaching accreditation. Nonetheless, both TEFL and TESOL certifications offer comparable training and qualifications. What are the technical distinctions between TEFL and TESOL? Should I get TEFL or TESOL certified? Why get TEFL / TESOL certified. Video Testimonials. TEFL and TESOL, though frequently interchanged, possess distinct technical scopes. TEFL is geared towards teaching English to individuals in non-English speaking regions, typically for purposes like travel, business, or personal enrichment. In contrast,...  [Read more]

In the field of English language instruction, various abbreviations often get mixed up, leading to confusion. A typical mix-up occurs between the terms EFL and ELL. Simply put, EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, and ELL signifies English Language Learner. EFL pertains to the course or class, while ELL denotes the English student. What exactly does "EFL" mean? What does "ELL" stand for? EFL, or "English as a Foreign Language," denotes programs specifically constructed for ELL students. Many educational institutions offer EFL classes designed for English learners, utilizing EFL-centric curricula and programs. The term EFL broadly encapsulates the techniques and resources employed in teaching English to learners. ELL, an acronym for "English Language Learner," represents students...  [Read more]

TEFL and IELTS, while both situated within the realm of English language education, serve distinct purposes: In essence, while TEFL certifies teaching capabilities, IELTS gauges English language proficiency. What does TEFL stand for? What does IELTS stand for? TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is a widely used term in the teaching profession, referring to the instruction of English to non-native speakers. It is primarily used in contexts where English is taught in countries where it is not the native language, for instance, teaching English to French speakers in France. However, it also broadly applies to any context or location where English is being taught. In addition to representing the act of teaching English, TEFL also signifies the training courses and the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching a whole class of students is a lot different than teaching a single student in a one-to-one setting. When teaching a whole group, I have had to split my attention in so many directions. When I teach a student one-to-one, my whole focus is solely on that one child. Diversity in the classroom Advantages and disadvantages Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jennifer H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There can be a wide range of diverse students in a classroom setting, which can create more of a demand for attention from the teacher, in some situations. For example, I have seen...  [Read more]

In the field of English language teaching, acronyms like TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA frequently surface, often leading to confusion for both newcomers and seasoned educators. While course providers, job boards, and teaching resources brim with these acronyms, understanding their distinctions is crucial. So, what sets TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA apart? What does TEFL mean? What does TESOL mean? What does CELTA mean? Which type of course should I choose? What if a course doesn't meet this criteria? Does the quality of a training course vary by location? TEFL stands for 'Teaching English as a Foreign Language.' A prevalent term in the world of teaching English overseas, TEFL isn't tied to a specific training program or provider. Instead, it broadly encapsulates various training and...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences There are many similarities, but also many differences, in teaching English as a foreign language and teaching English as a second language. Teaching English as a foreign language is when you teach English in a country that does not have English as an official language. Teaching English as a second language is when you teach English to someone who speaks another language as their first language, normally in a country where English is the official language. I have taught both English as a foreign language (EFL) and English as a second language (ESL) and these two experiences had quite a few similarities and quite a few differences. EFL and ESL Example Similarities between EFL and ESL Differences between EFL and ESL "This was a big difference for me as a...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Just like any profession, teaching English has specific terms and acronyms that can be used to describe the job. While teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) is an overarching term to describe the job of teaching English to those who do not use English as their native language, ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) must be distinguished. ESL and EFL describe different locations, purposes, and techniques for teaching English. Additionally, it may be beneficial for instructors to experience teaching both ESL and EFL to be a well-rounded and sympathetic instructor. English as a Second Language English as a Foreign Language For Teachers' Consideration Influence on Teaching Experience Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

British and American English showcase several key differences that learners should be aware of: These differences underline the richness and diversity of the English language, influenced by geographical and historical contexts. Differences in vocabulary Differences in grammar Collective nouns Have and take Prepositions Past tense verbs Differences in spelling Differences in dates Vocabulary discrepancies constitute a major source of confusion. Numerous words have distinct meanings in the two language versions. While teaching English, it is natural to focus on the words that make the most sense to you personally. However, it is important for students to be aware of alternative terms to avoid confusion later on. While the extensive list of vocabulary differences is too lengthy to present...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   "Have to" and "must" are both used to show that something is necessary, but there are some differences. Let’s understand how to use these words with some with natural English examples below.   The two expressions "have to" and "must" both show that something is necessary, but there are some differences.   If we have to do something it means it is necessary and we are required to do it, for example:   "Must" can be used in the same way as "have to", such as here: It’s getting late, I must go. = It’s getting late, I have to go.     Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   Do you confuse the two words "so" and "such"? This article will explain the differences clearly with helpful examples.   To learn this English Grammar let’s look at the meaning of So and Such. For Example: “Sally is so nice. I really like talking to her.”   For Example: “Sally is such a nice person. I really like talking to her.”   SO can be used with the determiners much, many, little, and few to make these words stronger. In English grammar, a determiner is a word that comes before a noun to show how the noun is being used. For Example: Bill has so much responsibility at work. I feel bad for him, he works overtime every day. He has so little free time. *We don’t use SUCH this way. Bill...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   "For" and "since" are prepositions used when talking about time. Let’s look at the difference between the two words.   For and Since are prepositions. Let’s look at the difference between these two words.   "For" is used with a period of time. This is often a number plus a time word. "For" is used when we measure the duration of something or how long it lasts. It has a start point and an end point and can be used in different tenses.   "Since" is used with a starting point or a time or date. It refers to something that started in the past and continues until now. "Since" is mostly used with the present perfect and perfect progressive tense. For example:   Register now & get certified to...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a fun ESL speaking practice but also vocabulary and grammar reinforcement.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Let's take a look at the difference between all, every and each.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   The verbs "do" and "make" are among the most used words in the English language. These two words often confuse English learners because they often use one verb for both in their native language (like "hacer" in Spanish). To help your students understand this better, take a look at the following chart below showcasing the difference between "do" and "make".   "Do" and "make" are two verbs that frequently confuse students learning English. The following explanations will help you better understand the difference between "do" and "make" and when to use each one. 1. "Do" is used when talking about work, jobs or tasks: 2. "Do" is used to refer to non-specific activities, for example: 3. "Do" can be used to replace a...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Let's take a look at how to use MUST and SHOULD correctly in sentences.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences The term business English is used to cover the English language taught to a wide range of professional people, and students in full-time education preparing for a business career. There's a lot more to learning a second (or third or fourth!) language than just vocabulary and grammar because languages are used differently in different contexts. Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our ITTT graduate Rupanpreet K. Business English is the type of English used in business contexts. Some types of English, like novels or law briefings, welcome long, sophisticated vocabulary. Business English isn't like that. Good writing is direct and to the point. There is less focus on grammar in...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Let's take a look at the difference between YOUR and YOU'RE in English with example sentences.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When we talk about the English language, we are referring to its base form or proper English as the Brits would say. American English is a version of British English, which has been modified over time and has thus been altered to suit the different geographical locations, different culture and so on. Lexical Differences Grammar Structure Spelling Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: There are several areas of the English language which present the most noticeable differences and these are in vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kristian B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are hundreds of...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Further and farther are easily confused as both words can be used to say “at a greater distance”. To be sure you are using them correctly take a look at the following explanation.   How to Use Further Further Examples: How to Use Farther Farther Examples: Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When it comes to learning English, non-native speakers can feel quite torn on whether they should learn British English or American English. They have their similarities, but can contrast each other strongly. The differences can be confusing for English speakers as well. The diversity in spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary can really throw you off. In this article, I will be focusing on these three topics. Let's explore spelling, shall we? Important Spelling Differences Differences in Word Choice Same Word - Different Pronunciation Other Things to Consider Are you ready to teach English abroad? Listen to this blog post Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tabitha C. Growing up in the USA, I learned to spell in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching English to high-school students and teaching English to university students are uniquely different and require different skills and teaching methods. High school students are in a period of development known as adolescence. One of the leading developmental psychologists, Erik Erikson, defines adolescence as a period of struggle between identity versus role confusion (Hutchison, 2013). During adolescence, high schoolers are going through many physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes (Hutchison, 2013). They are struggling to define who they are in this world not about their parents. They want to make their own choices in life based on their reasoning. A high schooler may choose on their own to learn English as a foreign language, but...  [Read more]