Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency

Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) is a language-related term which refers to formal academic learning, as opposed to Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills BICS. In schools today, the terms BICS and CALP are most frequently used to discuss the language proficiency levels of students who are in the process of acquiring a new language. These students typically develop proficiency in BICS well before they acquire a strong grasp of CALP or academic language. As a result, students may initially appear fully proficient and fluent, while still struggling with significant language gaps.