What does Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) describe?

Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) refers specifically to the conversational fluency in a second language. BICS encompasses the everyday language skills that individuals use in social situations, such as greetings, small talk, and informal interactions. These skills typically develop more quickly than academic language proficiency because they rely on contextual clues, visual cues, and interpersonal interactions.

BICS is contrasted with Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP), which involves the more formal language required for academic success, including abstract concepts and specialized vocabulary. Understanding that BICS relates to social language helps educators recognize that while students may appear to communicate effectively in everyday situations, they may still struggle with the more challenging language required in academic environments. This distinction is crucial for supporting the language development of non-native speakers in educational settings.