Terms associated with ESL

Academic language

Language used in the learning of academic subject matter, involving specific academic terms and technical language.

Accent

The pronunciation associated with a region or class, often involving word stress.

Acquisition

The absorption of language without conscious effort, often contrasted with language learning.

Active Vocabulary

Words and phrases that a learner can use in speech and writing.

Advanced

A level of language proficiency where most structures and functions are mastered.

Aptitude

The specific ability a learner has for learning a second language, distinct from intelligence.

Bilingualism

The ability to communicate effectively in two or more languages.

Communication Strategies

Techniques used by learners to express ideas when lacking the appropriate language.

Communicative Approaches

Language teaching methods aimed at developing communicative competence.

Communicative Competence

The ability to use a language effectively for communication.

Comprehensible Input

Language adjusted by speakers to aid understanding for L2 learners.

Comprehensible Output

Language produced by learners that may assist in language acquisition.

Competence

Ability to function within multiple cultural systems.

Dialect

Regional varieties of a language differing in grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation.

Discourse

Language use that extends beyond the single sentence.

ESL

programs in countries where English is the dominant or official language

Extensive Reading

Reading for general understanding, often involving longer texts.

Feedback

Responses to learners' communications, aiding in language testing and correction.

Filter

The process by which learners focus on certain features of input while ignoring others.

Formal instruction

Classroom learning where teachers highlight target language rules.

Functions

What people do through language, such as instructing or apologizing.

Genre

A category of literary composition characterized by a specific style or content.

Grapheme

Written symbols representing sounds in a language.

Idiom

Expressions whose meanings cannot be deduced from the meanings of their elements.

Inflection

Changes in a word's form to indicate grammatical functions.

Input

Language exposure necessary for learners to determine rules of the target language.

Interference

When patterns from a learner's first language impede learning a second language.

L2

A term for both foreign and second languages.

Materials

Resources used to aid language instruction, such as textbooks and recordings.

Monitor

The process of correcting errors in language output after production.

Morpheme

The smallest grammatical unit in a language.

Morphology

The study of how words change forms based on grammatical function.

Motivation

The learner's goal orientation affecting language learning.

Multilingualism

The ability to speak more than two languages.

Native language

An individual's first spoken language.

Phoneme

The smallest unit of sound that alters meaning in a language.

Schema theory

The notion that past experiences form mental frameworks aiding new understanding.

Second language

A language used for communication in a society but not a mother tongue.

S.L.A.

Abbreviation for Second Language Acquisition, related to language learning research.

Target language

The language that a learner aims to learn.

Teacher talk

Adjustments made by teachers to facilitate classroom communication.

TESL

Teaching English as a Second Language, related to teacher training programs.

Text

Any form of language production presented to learners, spoken or written.

Total Physical Response Method

A method where commands require physical responses to aid language learning.

Transfer

Using knowledge from the first language to learn a second language.

Universal grammar

General principles applicable to all languages.

Vlog

A video blog.

Vodcast

A video podcast.

Workbook

A book with practice activities for language learners.