By Linh Phung
I just returned from the ACTFL Conference in Philadelphia (November 22-24, 2024) and wanted to share some quick facts and observations about language learning in the U.S., drawing on insights from my recent presentation. Whether you’re a language educator or a language enthusiast, understanding the differences between these influential organizations—ACTFL and TESOL—offers valuable perspectives on language teaching and learning globally.
📌 Key Facts About ACTFL
Founded: 1967
Full Name: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Membership: Approximately 11,000 members worldwide
2024 Conference Attendance: Around 6,000 attendees 🎉
Proficiency Standards: ACTFL has developed its own set of proficiency standards, which differ from the more widely known CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Exams: Proficiency exams are administered by Language Testing International (LTI), a company now owned by Samsung.
ACTFL’s Mission: ACTFL focuses primarily on improving and expanding the teaching and learning of foreign languages other than English. Its influence extends across K-12 and higher education, setting benchmarks for proficiency and advocating for policies that support language education in the U.S.
📌 Key Facts About TESOL
Founded: 1966
Full Name: TESOL International Association
Membership: Over 10,000 members globally 🌍
Affiliations: Connected with 100+ ELT (English Language Teaching) associations worldwide
Focus: TESOL is the largest professional association for English language teachers, with a mission to advance the quality of English language teaching through professional development, research, and advocacy.
TESOL’s Reach: TESOL’s focus on English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) and multilingual learners in the U.S. means it plays a crucial role in shaping English language education both in the U.S. and internationally. Its standards, resources, and conferences support educators who work with English learners (ELs) of all ages and proficiency levels.
🌍 Language Learning Trends: A Broader Perspective
Understanding ACTFL and TESOL’s impact is incomplete without looking at the larger trends in language learning. Here are some key insights:
Global Language Landscape (Ethnologue, 2022):
English: 1.5 billion speakers 🌎
Mandarin Chinese: 1.1 billion speakers 🇨🇳
Hindi: Around 600 million speakers 🇮🇳
Spanish: Close to 600 million speakers 🇪🇸
These figures highlight the importance of English and other global languages, reflecting both opportunities and challenges for language educators worldwide.
English Learners in U.S. Public Schools: A Growing Population
Over 5 million English learners are currently enrolled in PreK-12 public schools in the U.S. 📚
ELs account for approximately 10% of total students, underscoring the vital role of TESOL in supporting this diverse and growing student population.
📊 Foreign Language Study in U.S. K-12: Challenges and Opportunities (American Council for International Education, 2017)
Only about 20% of U.S. K-12 students study a foreign language.
In contrast, the median for European countries is an impressive 92% 🌍.
This stark difference reveals a significant gap in foreign language education in the U.S., which ACTFL aims to address through advocacy, resources, and professional development for educators.
College-Level Foreign Language Enrollment (Modern Language Association Data, 2020):
Approximately 1.2 million students were enrolled in foreign language courses in U.S. colleges and universities. 📉
Unfortunately, this number reflects a declining trend, raising concerns about the future of foreign language education at the higher education level.
🏠🗣️ Languages Spoken at Home in the U.S. (2019 U.S. Census Data)
Around 68 million people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home.
This linguistic diversity is a strength and a challenge, highlighting the need for robust language education policies and programs to support multilingualism at all levels of education.
🤔 What’s Most Interesting?
One of the most fascinating aspects for me is the diverse contexts in which languages are learned and taught, each drawing on unique frameworks and practices. Equally compelling is the rich linguistic diversity in the U.S., particularly among immigrant communities. As a materials writer and app developer, I aim to address the needs of both foreign language learners through the Pangea Chat app with 11 target languages and English learners with Eduling Speak.
Eduling Speak offers over 40 courses tailored to various needs, including IELTS, TOEFL, Aptis, Research Writing, and U.S. Citizenship Exam preparation. My goal is to create tools that address various language learning needs, contributing to a more connected and multilingual world. 🌍📱
🌟 Looking Ahead
Both ACTFL and TESOL are doing critical work in promoting language education, but they operate in distinct yet complementary spheres. While ACTFL focuses on foreign languages and proficiency standards with languages other than English, TESOL’s impact is more global, centered on English language education. Together, they contribute to a more multilingual world.
I hope these insights spark further reflection and discussion. Whether you’re teaching Spanish in a U.S. high school or helping adult English learners navigate life in a new country, our work as language educators is more important and exciting than ever. 🌍🗣️
What do you find most interesting about these comparisons or trends? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 💬
About the Author: Dr. Linh Phung is a language educator, researcher, and creator with a track record of directing successful educational programs and developing impactful technology applications and language learning materials. She is the Founder of the Eduling Speak app, which offers specialized English courses based on communicative tasks and games. As an author, she has published four language learning books and three children's books. As a researcher, she has her research published in high impact journals. Her professional experience also involves serving as an English Language Specialist with the U.S. Department of State in 2023, working at Shorelight as a senior research analyst, and being Chief Learning Officer of Pangea Chat.
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