ABSTRACT

This chapter argues that, historically, government policy has never really adequately addressed immigrants' English language learning needs. Learning the English language can empower people through better communication skills. A grasp of English can help individuals with their employability so they benefit economically while helping them to integrate socially. It is also noteworthy that while English for speakers of other lnguages(ESOL) is an umbrella term that includes many forms of English language learning, in the United Kingdom, English as an additional language(EAL) is used primarily for younger learners in compulsory education while ESOL is mainly associated with adult and community learning. Adults learning ESOL in the post compulsory sector were largely left in the hands of local authorities until 2001 when it became part of the government's nationwide skills for life strategy. Constant changes in government policy and subsequent funding make ESOL and EAL learners vulnerable in an ever changing political landscape.