acculturation - noun, the process of adapting and adjusting to a new cultural environment; this term is viewed negatively by some as it suggests that those new to a culture must give up elements of their own culture to fit into the new culture
assimilation - noun, the process of becoming similar to others by adopting their culture; use of this term is discouraged as it suggests that those new to a culture must abandon their own in order to fit into the new culture
bilingual – adjective, describes a person who is fluent in two languages or a program with two languages of instruction
cultural brokers – noun, individuals who act as bridges between schools and diverse families. These school staff, community-based personnel, or volunteers typically:
1. educate parents to support the school’s goals to improve student achievement;
2. connect parents to resources and information; and
3. advocate with parents and with school staff to promote change or decrease conflict.
DLL (dual language learner) – noun, generally used to mean a student who is learning a second language while continuing to develop his/her primary language; often refers to young learners developing dual literacy from early childhood; in this country the term generally implies that one of the two languages is English, but this is not necessarily the case
EL (English learner) – noun, a student who has a primary or home language other than English and has not yet achieved English language proficiency; United States Department of Education refers to students as ELs, but Maine DOE now refers to students in the process of acquiring English as multilingual learners (MLs)
ELL (English language learner) – noun, a student who speaks a primary or home language other than English and has not yet achieved English language proficiency; no longer the preferred term (see ML)
ELP (English language proficiency) – noun, a level of skill in English comprehension and production that enables a student to meaningfully access the curriculum; adjective, describes an assessment that measures a student’s current level of skill in English comprehension and production
ESL (English as a second language) – adjective, describes a type of class, student, teacher, program, etc.; in recent years many perceive this acronym as pejorative, so it is being replaced with ESOL; “second” refers to the non-primary status of a language rather than the chronological order of acquisition (for example, a person may speak three languages before learning English, and English would still be referred to as a “second” language)
ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) – adjective, describes a type of class, student, teacher, program, etc.; it is perceived as more inclusive and is therefore the preferred term
exited ML - noun, a student who participated in an ESOL program and has exited the program by achieving ELP
home language - noun, a language used by the student and/or family members in the home
interpreter – noun, a person who translates information orally
LEP (limited English proficiency/limited English proficient) – adjective, describes a person who has not yet attained English language proficiency; used in No Child Left Behind but is now completely rejected by the field as insensitive and overly negative due to the word “limited”; avoid using LEP at all times
L-TEL (long-term English learner) - noun, a student who has participated in an ESOL program for more than five years
multilingual – adjective, describes a person who is fluent in several languages; in this country the term generally implies that one of the several languages is English, but this is not necessarily the case
ML (multilingual learner) – noun, a student who has a primary or home language other (or in addition to) English (generally used to refer to students who have not yet achieved proficiency in English)
native language – noun, used to refer to a language that a person acquires from infancy or early childhood; it is not recommended to use this term as it is not easily defined and individuals may perceive themselves as native or non-native speakers regardless of the circumstances of acquisition
newcomer – noun, a student who has recently arrived to the United States; there is no specific timeframe in the definition of a newcomer, although a student's needs may be closely linked to recent arrival for up to around two years
non-native language – noun, used to refer to a language that a person acquires after infancy or early childhood; it is not recommended to use this term as it is not easily defined and individuals may perceive themselves as native or non-native speakers regardless of the circumstances of acquisition
primary language - noun, a language that a person has greatest fluency and ease in using
translator – noun, a person who translates information in written form
SLIFE (student with limited or interrupted formal education) - noun, a student who has experienced significant disruption in their education or has engaged in education that was not high-quality