For New Members
📖 What Is ELT? A Primer for Anyone New to Language Teaching in Japan
ELT. EFL. ESL. TESOL. Applied Linguistics. If you are new to the world of language education in Japan, the acronyms can feel overwhelming. Here is a friendly, plain-English guide to the landscape.
The Key Terms
ELT (English Language Teaching) - The broad field of teaching English as a second or foreign language. It covers everything from kindergarten phonics to university academic writing to corporate language training.
EFL (English as a Foreign Language) - Teaching English in a country where English is not the primary language - like Japan. Most language teaching in Okinawa is EFL.
ESL (English as a Second Language) - Teaching English in a country where English is widely used - like the UK, USA, or Australia.
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) - An umbrella term covering both EFL and ESL. Also the name of a major international teaching organization.
Applied Linguistics - The academic field that studies language acquisition, language teaching, and how language works in real-world contexts.
EFL (English as a Foreign Language) - Teaching English in a country where English is not the primary language - like Japan. Most language teaching in Okinawa is EFL.
ESL (English as a Second Language) - Teaching English in a country where English is widely used - like the UK, USA, or Australia.
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) - An umbrella term covering both EFL and ESL. Also the name of a major international teaching organization.
Applied Linguistics - The academic field that studies language acquisition, language teaching, and how language works in real-world contexts.
Who Are Language Teachers in Japan?
🏫 ALTs Assistant Language Teachers working in Japanese public schools, often through the JET Programme or private dispatch companies. | 🎓 University Instructors Full-time and adjunct faculty teaching English communication, academic writing, and language skills at universities. |
📚 Private School Teachers Educators at eikaiwa (English conversation schools) and private language academies. | 🔬 Researchers Graduate students and academics studying how languages are learned, taught, and tested. |
What Does JALT Do?
JALT - the Japan Association for Language Teaching - is the professional body that connects all of these different educators. Regardless of whether you are a fresh ALT in your first year or a veteran professor with decades of experience, JALT and Okinawa JALT are your professional home in Japan.
The best thing about Okinawa JALT is that you do not need to be an expert to belong. We welcome educators at every stage - from those who are still figuring out what EFL means to those who have published dozens of research papers. Curiosity and a genuine interest in teaching are all you need.
🌺 Okinawa JALT · okijalt@gmail.com · okijalt.org
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