FAQ: frequently asked questions about English

What is English a mix of?
English is a language that has borrowed words and influences from many other languages over its history. It's primarily a mix of Germanic languages like Old English and Norse, with a significant influence from Latin and French due to historical events. English also incorporates words from Spanish, Dutch, Arabic, and countless other languages due to global interactions. This diversity makes English rich and versatile, with a wide vocabulary and a mix of grammar rules from different language families. It's a constantly evolving language that continues to absorb new words and expressions from various sources.

ESL or EFL?
What do ESL and EFL mean? ESL stands for English as a Second Language. EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language. ESL is used when people learn English in an English speaking country. EFL is used when people learn English in a non-English speaking country. Is this important? Not very, if you are a learner. But there are some important technical considerations for teachers. (The same is true for TESL—Teaching English as a Second Language—and TEFL—Teaching English as a Foreign Language.)