English Literature is the study of different books and writings from authors past and present. It looks not only at the books in general but teaches about the context, writing style and meaning behind the words.
English Language is the study of the language itself, its correct usage and its origins. It will study in depth the correct way to say and write the language, the subtleties of the language and how it can be used poetically and creatively as well as in communication.
Both forms of English study hold importance. English Literature looks at the history of some great English speaking writers and how their writing has influenced culture and entertained people for many years. It points to the hidden meanings in the books and how political some of the writers were being through their creative writing.
Studying English Language is important in helping you to read and write well, how to use the English language to its greatest effect and be creative with the language itself. The study of both topics can increase your vocabulary, increase your creative ability and teach you about the history of the language and the culture from which great writers were writing their books.
English is also taught as a foreign language in non-English speaking countries. In this instance, the purpose of English as a subject is to learn about how to communicate using the language, how to speak and write it correctly and fluently and how to structure the language correctly.