BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills)

Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) refer to the everyday language skills needed for social interactions. These skills are typically acquired quickly by language learners and include conversational fluency, understanding informal speech, and using context-appropriate language. BICS contrasts with Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP), which involves more complex language skills required for academic success. In TEFL, it is important to develop both BICS and CALP to ensure comprehensive language proficiency.