Supporting Speakers of Other Languages

A student came to my office last year and asked if the term ESL (English as a Second Language) wasn't outdated, that perhaps it was limiting, given students from India and other places grew up learning English, or that English might be a person's 3rd, 4th or 5th language. Always curious about the evolution of language and human rights, I went on a hunt.

Overwhelmingly, ESL is still the dominant term used to denote second language learning in English Canada. "Speakers of other languages" is a more nuanced term that affirms the identity of immigrants and international students, emphasizing the importance to a person of the "other" language(s) they speak. If you have ever studied another language, you know how difficult it is to maintain your self-esteem when you cannot convey complex ideas or feelings. Remembering this vulnerable position helps us to use terms like ESL learner with sensitivity. We can reinforce the identity of the person we are serving or teaching and acknowledge their unique needs and abilities.

Image thanks to http://sosclassroom.org/esl

Here are some other terms you might be curious about:

ESOL = English for Speakers of Other Languages
ESP = English for specific purposes (learning English for use in a specific profession, for example engineering, or a specific setting, such as Workplace English)
IELTS = International English Language Testing System (the British standard used in India and other Commonwealth countries). Fleming requires an IELTS 6.0 score for admisison.
TOEFL = Test of English as a Foreigh Language (the American standard popular in Latin America, the Middle East, etc.). Fleming requires a 79 internet-based score for admission).

For these and other terms used in the area of second language development, go to:
http://www.tefl.net/ref/terms.htm

For information on Fleming English language requirements, go to:
http://flemingcollege.ca/international-education/language-requirements

In order to address the integration of ESL learners at Fleming, Fleming Data Research teamed up with the Diversity Office and the Peterborough Partnership Council on Immigrant Integration to explore their needs and experiences. Follow the gold Diversity logo link to the Diversity wiki where you will find the results of that research project. Notice the isolation experienced by the participants, the strategies they have found to be successful and the gaps they indicate in our services.

Many faculty and support staff are reflecting on how to remedy these gaps. If you are interested in being part of finding solutions, speak to your manager or coordinator or contact the Diversity Office.

On the wiki you will also find a list of upcoming professional development sessions that deal with different aspects of diversity - culture (India), sexual orientation, & race. I hope you join us.