* EFL (English as a Foreign Language): This refers to English learning in a country where English is not the native language. For example, someone learning English in France, Japan, or Brazil would be considered an EFL learner.
* ESL (English as a Second Language): This refers to English learning in a country where English is the native language or one of the official languages. For example, someone learning English in the United States, Canada, or Australia would be considered an ESL learner.
Essentially, the difference boils down to whether the learner is in an English-speaking country or not.
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | EFL | ESL |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Non-English speaking country | English-speaking country |
| Language context | English is not the native language | English is the native language or one of the official languages |
| Examples | Learning English in France, Japan, or Brazil | Learning English in the United States, Canada, or Australia |
It's important to note that the terms EFL and ESL are often used interchangeably, and the distinction is not always clear-cut. For example, someone learning English in Hong Kong, which has both English and Cantonese as official languages, could be considered both an EFL and an ESL learner.