English as a Second Language(ESL)
Program Summary
The many acronyms, such as ESL, ESOL, EFL, EFT, etc., used in the field of English teaching and learning may be confusing. English is a language with great reach and influence as it is taught all over the world under many different circumstances. At PGCC, our courses address the use of English within the US, generally by immigrants and their children with another mother tongue. Typically, this sort of English is learned to function in the new host country, such as within the school system (if a child), to find and hold down a job (if an adult), and to perform the necessities of daily life.
Most of the difficulties that learners face in the study of English are a consequence of the degree to which their native language differs from English. A native speaker of Chinese, for example, faces many more difficulties than a native speaker of Spanish. Although English is not particularly difficult to learn, it holds several features which are relatively complex and, therefore, create difficulties for the majority of learners in the areas of:
- Pronunciation (e.g., phonemes resulting from combinations of letter)
- Grammar (e.g., the use tenses and articles)
- Vocabulary (e.g., the size of the lexicon)
- Differences between spoken and written English
- Varieties of English across different regions
Employment Trends
A mere glance at the diversity of Prince George's County confirms our role as a cultural melting pot and economic leader. Located in the heart of the Baltimore/Washington corridor, the county borders Washington, DC, and is just 37 miles south of the city of Baltimore. Encompassing almost 500 square miles, Prince George's County offers an urban atmosphere that calls for expansion of its workforce – including its non-English speaking citizens. Of the county’s 846,123 thousand residents (2005 Census) 13.8% are foreign born and 15.9% speak a language other than English at home. English language skills are critical to their integration in the workplace.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
- Coursework leading to award of a Continuing Education Certificate