BICS

BICS, or Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills, refers to the fundamental language skills needed for everyday social interactions. Developed by linguist Jim Cummins, BICS encompasses the language abilities required to engage in casual conversations, understand social cues, and communicate basic needs in familiar contexts. These skills typically develop within a few years of immersion in a language, allowing individuals to navigate social situations effectively. However, BICS is often distinct from more complex academic language skills, which take longer to acquire and are necessary for success in educational settings.