Correct option is D
The concept of BICS, which stands for Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills, was developed by Jim Cummins. BICS refers to the language skills required for everyday communication in social settings. Cummins differentiated BICS from CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency), emphasizing that while BICS involves conversational skills that can be developed in a relatively short time, CALP involves more complex language skills needed for academic success, which typically take longer to develop. Understanding this distinction is crucial for educators, particularly those working with bilingual students, as it highlights that students may appear fluent in conversational contexts but may struggle with academic language.
Information Booster:
- BICS vs. CALP: Understanding both concepts helps educators better support language learners in developing necessary skills for both social and academic contexts.
- Cummins' Quadrants: Jim Cummins further explored these concepts through his quadrants, illustrating the relationship between context and cognitive demand in language use.
- Social Context: BICS is often developed in social interactions and everyday communication, making it crucial for building relationships.
- Time to Acquire: While BICS can take 6 months to 2 years to develop, CALP may take 5 to 7 years or more, indicating a significant difference in language acquisition timelines.
- Educational Implications: Recognizing the difference between BICS and CALP helps educators tailor their teaching strategies to support language learners effectively.
Additional Knowledge:
- Stephen Krashen is known for his Input Hypothesis, which posits that language acquisition occurs when learners are exposed to language that is slightly beyond their current level of proficiency.
- Lev Vygotsky emphasized the social aspects of learning and development, introducing concepts such as the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).
- B.F. Skinner, a behaviorist, focused on operant conditioning and its role in language learning through reinforcement.