Learn English Online | Expert IELTS Preparation

Nov 08, 2025

Keith Wakefield

Introduction to ITESOL and English Throughout the World

Understanding the World of ITESOL

The field of ITESOL (International Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) extends far beyond teaching grammar and vocabulary. It involves preparing teachers to understand English as a living, evolving global language that bridges cultures and nations. ITESOL provides educators with the linguistic awareness, cultural sensitivity and pedagogical flexibility required to teach learners from a wide range of linguistic and social backgrounds.

Unlike TEFL or TESOL, ITESOL recognises that English is no longer bound to one nation or accent. It is now an international medium of communication used daily in business, education, science, and diplomacy. The ITESOL perspective, therefore, encourages teachers to value the global diversity of English while maintaining accuracy, clarity, and communicative competence.

Clarifying TESOL, TEFL, CELTA and ITESOL

English language teaching has developed a confusing number of acronyms, each reflecting a slightly different purpose or context.

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) traditionally refers to teaching English in countries where English is not the primary language, such as Japan or Thailand.
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a broader term that includes all contexts where English is taught to non-native speakers, whether in English-speaking countries or abroad.
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is a branded TESOL qualification awarded by Cambridge University, while Trinity CertTESOL is its equivalent from Trinity College London.
ITESOL (International Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) represents a modern evolution of these qualifications, acknowledging that English now exists in many international varieties and is used as a lingua franca across the globe.

While TEFL and TESOL focus primarily on methodology and classroom practice, ITESOL prepares teachers to deal with the realities of World Englishes, the multiple legitimate forms of English spoken across continents. The ITESOL teacher, therefore, must train learners to communicate with confidence and clarity, rather than imitate one particular national variety.

English as the World’s Lingua Franca

A lingua franca is a shared language used for communication between speakers of different native tongues. Historically, languages such as Latin and French served this role in Europe, but in the modern era, English has become the dominant global lingua franca. It is the common language of international business, science, academia, and travel, used by billions who are not native speakers.

Teaching English today, therefore, means teaching a global language, one that unites rather than divides. However, this brings responsibility. Teachers must train learners to use clear, comprehensible English that prioritises international intelligibility over imitation of native accents. The goal is not to sound “English” or “American”, but to be understood and respected in a global context.

Pidgin, Local Varieties, and Linguistic Identity

In multilingual environments, contact languages often develop to meet the need for communication between groups with no shared language. These are known as pidgins. They typically simplify grammar and vocabulary for practicality, though they follow their own systematic rules.

In the Philippines, for instance, forms such as Taglish or Carabao English reflect this natural linguistic creativity. While these local varieties express cultural identity and mutual understanding, they are not suitable for academic or professional contexts. As teachers, our duty is to acknowledge their value while guiding learners towards standard international English when accuracy and formality are required.

This distinction is essential. Dismissing local Englishes entirely risks alienating learners, but accepting all forms as equal can hinder their global mobility. The effective ITESOL teacher navigates this balance with sensitivity and precision.

Why This Matters for Teachers

Understanding these distinctions equips ITESOL teachers with a global perspective. It enables them to:

Recognise English as an international medium of exchange, not a possession of any single culture.
Appreciate the legitimacy of local varieties while promoting global comprehensibility.
Develop learners’ ability to adapt their language to suit formal, informal, local, and international contexts.
Emphasise clarity, accuracy, and confidence as the cornerstones of communicative success.

The ITESOL approach, therefore, empowers teachers to act as cultural mediators, bridging linguistic diversity through mutual respect and practical language mastery.

Summary

English today belongs to the world. It connects nations, advances knowledge and allows collaboration across boundaries. ITESOL stands at the centre of this global communication network.

An effective ITESOL teacher:

Understands the historical and global development of English.
Recognises the importance of lingua franca communication.
Values cultural identity while promoting professional standards.
Trains learners not only to speak English, but to think internationally.

By mastering these principles, teachers prepare their students not just for exams or interviews, but for meaningful participation in a shared global community.

Reflection Questions for Trainees

How would you explain the difference between TESOL, TEFL and ITESOL to a new trainee teacher?
In your own classroom, how can you balance respect for local English varieties with the need for international accuracy?
What strategies could you use to help learners prioritise clarity and intelligibility over accent imitation?
How might understanding English as a lingua franca influence your teaching style and lesson design?
In what ways can acknowledging linguistic diversity make you a more effective and culturally aware teacher?

Blog Details

Recent Posts

Address

Email

Call Us