The term "ESL" stands for "English as a Second Language." It refers to programs or courses that teach English to individuals whose first language is not English. The goal of ESL education is to help learners improve their language skills for communication in academic, professional, or social contexts.
The acronym "ESL" originates from the English language and combines the English word "English," indicating the language being learned, with "Second Language," referring to the fact that it is not the learner's first language.