What does the acronym TESOL stand for?

The acronym TESOL stands for "Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages." This term is widely used within the field of language education to refer to the methodology and practice of teaching English to individuals whose first language is not English. It encompasses a variety of contexts, including both English as a second language (ESL) and English as a foreign language (EFL) instruction.

The definition highlights the focus on English language instruction and emphasizes the target demographic—speakers of languages other than English. This makes it a professional designation for educators involved in teaching English to non-native speakers, thereby facilitating their language acquisition and integrating them into English-speaking environments.

The other options presented do not accurately capture the established and recognized meaning of TESOL. They either introduce concepts or specific focus areas that are not part of the widely accepted definition of TESOL. Thus, the correct answer succinctly reflects the core framework of teaching English in a diverse linguistic context, which is critical for understanding language acquisition and pedagogy in ESL and EFL settings.