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 where English is not the main language
TESL = Teaching English as a Second Language where English is one of the main languages
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.)
Commonly Used Acronyms
5Ws = 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
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 = Overhead 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
Associations
ACTFL = American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (United States of America)
APA = American Psychological Association
BC = British Council
CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) is a federal body that funds some language programs.
CLB Canadian Language Benchmark levels range from 0 (Literacy) to 12 (Advanced) and are one measure of adult learners’ second language proficiency
ELLs (English Language Learners) are recognized as such in the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum for Grades 9-12
ELP English Language Proficiency
IEP (Individualized Education Program) is the cornerstone of a quality education for each elementary or high school student with a learning difference. To create an effective IEP, parents, teachers, other school staff, and often the student, must come together to look closely at the student’s unique needs.
MCI (Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration) is a provincial body that funds some language programs.
OSSLT (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test) is a provincial test of the literacy (reading and writing) skills students have acquired by Grade 10. It is based on the literacy expectations defined by The Ontario Curriculum across all subject areas to the end of Grade 9.
PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) is a process that helps adult learners to identify, articulate and demonstrate relevant learning acquired through life and work experiences and translate this learning into an academic credit. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a term developed in the United States. It makes no distinction between foreign and second language learners and is therefore a general term for teaching those whose mother tongue is not English.
ELT (English Language Training)
EAL (English as an Additional Language) is another term for ESL, and is used in a number of Canadian provinces.
EAP (English for Academic Purposes), which is taught at high schools, colleges and universities, prepares students for post-secondary studies.
EFL (English as a Foreign Language) is taught in countries where English is not spoken.
ELD (English Literacy Development) is an Ontario high school credit course.
ESL (English as a Second Language) courses are given in a country where English is one of the main languages spoken. Students have the advantage of being immersed in an English environment. ESL credit courses are offered to newcomers, international and Canadian-born students in Ontario high schools. ESL programs for adults are offered by Continuing Education departments of school boards, which are funded by MCI, as well as community colleges and universities.
LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) programs are CIC funded and are free for adult permanent residents and convention refugees.
OSLT (Occupation-Specific Language Training), funded by CIC, is offered free at many community colleges across Ontario to newcomers who are permanent residents or protected persons and have training or experience in a specific occupation or sector, but need to improve their occupation-specific communication skills. Participants must also have language proficiency at CLB levels 6-8. The curriculum is developed by professionals and approved by the federal government.
SLT (Specialized Language Training), funded by MCI, includes language training in specific employment fields in Canada. Language proficiency requirements range from CLB 3 to 8. The curriculum is developed by teaching staff at the school board level.
Assessment
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) Assessment is a standardized test of English for academic purposes designed to describe the ability of test takers planning to study in English colleges and universities.
CanTEST is a standardized English proficiency test used to determine if an individual is able to meet admission requirements of Canadian post-secondary institutions, or fluency requirements of professional licensing associations. (Equivalent testing services are offered in French.)
CELBAN Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses is an assessment tool designed to assess the English language proficiency of internationally educated nurses who are applying for licensure in the nursing profession in Canada.
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) is a computer-delivered assessment tool that provides proof of English language proficiency for immigration to Canada, Canadian citizenship, employment, admission to various post-secondary programs, or for membership to various professional associations.
CLBA (Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment) is given at CLARS (Coordinated Language Assessment and Referral Service) Centres. CLBA is a task-based assessment used to determine eligibility for adult LINC or ESL programs.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a widely accepted English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.
PBLA (Portfolio-Based Language Assessment) is being implemented in LINC programs across Canada.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) evaluates the potential success of an individual to use and understand standard American English at a college level. It is required for non-native applicants at many Canadian and U.S. English-speaking colleges and universities.
TOEFL Junior tests are a measure of English-language proficiency for students age 11 to 15.
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) measures workplace English-language communication skills and is used by many businesses, organizations and government agencies worldwide.
Teacher Assessment and Training
CELTA Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults is a training program administered worldwide by the University of Cambridge. It is an internationally recognized certificate in teacher training
DELTA Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
PTCT Post-TESL Certificate Training is specialized training that enables instructors to further their knowledge and skills in high priority content areas such as materials development, technology in the classroom, language for the workplace, and higher level language training. PTCT is for all instructors who teach English as a second language to adults. It is recognized by TESL Ontario.
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs)
Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) on separate PDF pages.