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Edi 112 Powerpoint
Edi 112 Powerpoint
Introduction to BICS/CALP
BICS =
Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills
An introduction to
BICS/CALP and
language proficiency
CALP =
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency
1 2
BICS CALP
BICS =
Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills Context embedded Context reduced
The language necessary for day to day living, Context embedded means that Context reduced is the language of the
including conversations with friends, informal the conversation is often classroom in which there are fewer
interactions. face-to-face, offers many cues non-verbal cues and the language is
to the listener such as facial more abstract.
expressions, gestures, concrete
CALP = objects of reference.
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency
The language necessary to understand and
3 discuss content in the classroom. 4
5 6 Cognitively Demanding
1
Cummins Quadrants
Various school activities and subjects can then be
fit into each quadrant in this chart….. Click for more
One language model of BICS/CALP
Cognitively Undemanding
Talking with friends Telephone conversation Sometimes BICS/CALP is represented as an iceberg….
Absence excuse
Note from friend
Buying lunch Written instructions
BICS
Art, music class
Context Context
Embedded Reduced
Demonstrations Standardized tests CALP
Audio visual lessons Reading/writing
Science experiments Math concepts
Basic math computations Most content classes!
What implications or meaning can you derive from the idea of
Cognitively Demanding an iceberg?
7 8 Click for more
The implications of the 2 iceberg model are that: A child’s language ability can easily be over-estimated
by looking at the BICS and not realizing the complexity
• The second language grows from the foundation of the and difficulty that second language students have in acquiring
first language. CALP in the second language.
• The stronger the first language, especially CALP, the Click for more
stronger the second language can be. Think about the student with whom you work. Can you see
a big difference in their BICS vs. their CALP abilities?
• Deaf children may not have had the opportunity to
develop BICS and CALP in their primary language Think about yourself in Sign Language. How’s your BICS vs.
11 12 your CALP?