Cummins (2000) explains that second language acquisition is different to first language acquisition as the learners address the process of learning another language, while already possessing knowledge of another linguistic system and its structures and rules.
The acronym "BICS" stands for Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills
This is the language we use when we are socially interacting with each other, for example having a conversation or children playing together with interaction. It is informal language and actually a basic form of communication, that is essential for us to be able to socially interaction. It is only the top of the Iceberg, the visual part we see above the water, it only scratches the surface fluency of a language. It is an often made mistake to assume that because a person has good social English, they are totally fluent in the language. They may or may not have fluency in academic language, this is the invisible part of the Ice berg below the water. This part is in danger of being overlooked, forgotten, people can’t see it right away! Competency in the language includes both communication skills (BICS) and academic language.
The acronym "CALP" stands for Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency
As mentioned before, CALP is the invisible part of the Iceberg, it stands for the academic learning. This includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing about subject area contents. This academic level of language learning is essential for students to succeed in school, it is also referred to as “school language”. Students need time and support to become proficient in academic areas; EAL children need this time to develop and advance to thinking in abstract ways, being able to handle cognitively demanding tasks that are part of the school curriculum. “Academic language is found in 2 places: classrooms and text. Consequently, access to print and engagement with reading are fundamental to developing academic language proficiency.” (Cummins)
Ms. Lara Rikers
Ms. Lara Rikers
