English as a Second Language

Abstract

English is spoken as a second language by many countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Shri Lanka, Nigeria and Tanzania. In these countries English is spoken as a non-native or second language, and used for various purposes official, educational, social and interpersonal. In the countries such as Russia, Japan, Germany, France and Italy, English is used as a foreign language. A second language is one which is used for various purposes within the country while a foreign language is used. In learning a second language we will find that vocabulary is comparatively easy. However, in some countries like the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada and Australia, English is native or first language. As we listen to a person speaking our native language we hear not only what is said but also certain things about the speaker. English is first, second or foreign language. Children learn native language from a very early age to respond to sounds and tunes which their elders habitually use in talking to them. Second language is generally learnt later in life. The second language is learnt after the child has mastered the first language, his/her learning of the second language is influenced by the first language.