Understanding the Acquisition of English as an Additional Language
Understanding How Social and Academic Language DevelopsAn English language learner develops both social language and academic language. Jim Cummins described these two types of language skills as basic interpersonal communicative skills (BICS) and cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP). What Are Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS)?English language learners typically develop the functional language skills for carrying on everyday, basic conversations called BICSBICS (basic interpersonal communicative skills): simple, functional language for communicating basic needs, ideas, and opinions and engaging in everyday conversations in informal social situations within two years. These language skills are used in informal social situations with peers, such as when chatting with friends about the events of the weekend (e.g., soccer match, family outing, celebrations). These language skills are acquired in the community, on the playground, and in inclusive learning settings (e.g., around the school) where English language learners share a cooperative learning environment with English-speaking peers. Along with the basic skills of oral communication, English language learners acquire social language, as well as social language practices and strategies, such as how to greet and take leave; use appropriate speech and tone with different audiences; and open, close, and sustain conversations. These skills make English language learners appear to have mastered many aspects of English. However, when dealing with more demanding and complex content-area material, informal social language and skills alone are insufficient. What Is Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP)?Academic language is used to build and communicate abstract concepts, theories, and ideas. It may also involve the use of metaphors and analogies. It is also used to communicate technical information. The academic language used in a learning context is generally more complex than the social language used in everyday communications. Research indicates that it takes five or more years for most English language learners to acquire the academic language skills called CALP CALP (cognitive academic language proficiency) language required to understand and communicate about abstract concepts and accomplish a wide-range of cognitively demanding academic tasks, including reading textbooks, writing essays, and doing research. These skills are required to understand abstract concepts and accomplish a wide-range of cognitively demanding academic and career-related tasks. Some English language learners need more time to develop CALP and may require English language-learning supports throughout their education. See Factors that Influence How English Language Learners Learn. Academic language is necessary in order to engage in cognitively demanding learning tasks required by programs of study and in the workforce, such as the language used to explain concepts, participate in debate, summarize text, or write a report or a research paper. These academic language skills are acquired through explicit language instruction in the content areas. Specific vocabulary, grammar, and language functions are best taught in the context of the subject areas. What Are the Differences Between BICS and CALP?
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