The aim of this introductory chapter is to lay the ground for the book as a whole. It does this by looking at what we mean when we refer to the teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). In the course of the discussion, we offer definitions of terms and concepts that are subsumed within the concept of TESOL. The chapter includes a discussion of what we mean by the terms ‘applied linguistics’ as well as differences and distinctions between widely used acronyms in the field such as ESOL, ELT, ESL, EFL, EAL, EWL, ESP, EAP and ESL (for details of these terms, see below). As we provide definitions, we look at ways in which second language (L2) teaching is differentiated from foreign language teaching.

In addition to providing definition, description and exemplification of key terms, we look at the impact of economic and technological globalisation on English language teaching, as well as the standardisation of English in relation to different sociocultural contexts. In the final part of the chapter, we provide a rationale for the book and an outline of the organisation and sequencing of the chapters.

What is TESOL?

TESOL is an acronym which stands for Teaching English to speakers of other languages and is a ‘blanket’ term covering situations in which English is taught as an L2, as well as those in which it is taught as a foreign language.