Language Registers (BICS/CALP)

Summary

This video script explores bilingual language development, focusing on the differences between Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). The script highlights the work of linguist Jim Cummins, who emphasized the interdependence between a child's first and second languages. It discusses how language proficiency develops over time, the role of linguistic transfer, and challenges faced by bilingual learners. The script also delves into how bilingual children may struggle with academic language acquisition and how cultural factors influence their language development. Ultimately, it emphasizes the need for adequate support for bilingual learners in schools.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bilingualism involves both Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP), which develop at different rates.
• 😀 BICS is the social language used daily and typically takes 1-3 years to develop, while CALP is the academic language needed for school and can take 5-7 years to develop.
• 😀 Jim Cummins introduced the concept of the iceberg metaphor, where BICS represents the visible tip, and CALP is the hidden, deeper structure of language.
• 😀 The more proficient a child is in their first language (L1), the easier it is for them to acquire a second language (L2) due to linguistic transfer.
• 😀 Common Underlying Proficiency (CUP) explains that languages share common structures, so learning one language can facilitate learning another.
• 😀 Students with well-developed BICS in both their first and second languages tend to perform well academically.
• 😀 Children who are at-risk second language learners may struggle with academic language acquisition if they lack CALP in their native language.
• 😀 The age and timing of second language introduction significantly impact a child's academic development, especially when there is no foundational CALP in their first language.
• 😀 Social and community pressures influence language development, with children often needing to navigate between their home language and the dominant school language.
• 😀 ELL (English Language Learner) students often face misdiagnosis of learning disorders because their academic struggles stem from language acquisition rather than cognitive challenges.
• 😀 To support bilingual children in school, it is essential to understand that language development is gradual and ongoing, and both BICS and CALP must be nurtured for academic success.

Q & A

What is bilingualism according to the transcript?

Bilingualism is the ability to communicate in two languages. However, the script humorously highlights that bilingualism doesn't mean simply repeating the same thing in two languages, but rather refers to a person's ability to use two languages for different purposes, including both social and academic contexts.

What are Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and how long does it take to develop them?

Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) are the everyday language skills we use for social communication. They typically take one to three years to develop.

What is Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP), and how does it differ from BICS?

Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) is the more complex language needed for academic tasks like reading, writing, and problem-solving in school. Unlike BICS, which is acquired quickly, CALP takes five to seven years to develop and is crucial for academic success.

How does Jim Cummins explain the relationship between first and second language acquisition?

Jim Cummins, through his Developmental Interdependence Hypothesis, explains that proficiency in a first language (L1) aids the acquisition of a second language (L2). The better you master L1, the easier it is to learn L2 because of underlying linguistic similarities.

What is the iceberg metaphor used by Jim Cummins to explain language proficiency?

Cummins uses the iceberg metaphor to illustrate that BICS is the visible part of language proficiency, while CALP represents the hidden, more complex aspects of language that are critical for academic success. CALP is often less visible but forms the deeper structure of language.

How does linguistic transfer impact second language acquisition?

Linguistic transfer refers to the process where knowledge from a first language helps in learning a second language. The more similar the two languages are, the faster this transfer happens. For instance, Spanish and Italian are closely related, so learning one can help in learning the other.

What challenges do children face if they have not yet developed CALP in their first language?

Children who haven't developed CALP in their first language face significant challenges when learning a second language because they lack the deeper academic language skills to transfer to the second language. This often leads to academic struggles.

What are the four types of language learners described in the transcript?

The four types of learners are: Type 1 – true bilinguals with high proficiency in both L1 and L2; Type 2 – children with high L1 proficiency and low L2 proficiency who are still catching up; Type 3 – children whose L1 was replaced by L2 at an early age; and Type 4 – at-risk second language learners who have no L1 CALP and must start from scratch with L2.

Why do some children struggle academically even after learning basic communication skills in a second language?

Some children struggle because they may develop BICS but not CALP in their second language, leaving them academically behind. This is often due to the lack of transfer from L1 to L2, which leads to delayed academic development.

How can children's academic outcomes improve in bilingual education settings?

Children's academic outcomes improve when they receive instruction in both their native language and a second language, allowing them to develop CALP in both languages. Cummins' research shows that when children are not interrupted in their language development and can transfer knowledge between languages, they can catch up academically faster.