What is the target language (TL)?

The target language (TL) refers specifically to the language that a learner aims to learn or acquire, usually in the context of language education. In this case, it signifies the language that is being learned as a second language. The focus is on the goal of the learner, which is to achieve proficiency in this specific language apart from their native or first language.

This understanding is crucial in various educational settings, especially in ESL (English as a Second Language) contexts, where learners are engaging with the language to develop their communication skills, cultural understanding, and fluency. Recognizing the target language allows educators to design instructional materials and language activities that support the acquisition of that language effectively.

Other choices describe different aspects of language and communication. While fluency relates to a person's proficiency in a language, it does not encapsulate the concept of the target language. The language used in the home refers to a person's native or primary language, which may or may not be the target language. Similarly, the most commonly spoken language in a community might not be relevant if it does not align with an individual's language-learning goals. Therefore, the definition centered around the language being learned as a second language accurately represents the concept of the target language.