What does the acronym CALP stand for?

The acronym CALP stands for Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency. This term is used to describe the level of language proficiency required to understand and use language in academic settings. CALP includes the ability to process and utilize complex language structures, engage with specialized vocabulary, and comprehend academic content across subjects. This type of proficiency typically develops over a longer period compared to Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS), which relate to conversational language use.

Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency is particularly important for English learners, as it directly impacts their ability to succeed in school environments where they are expected to understand and produce academic language in both written and spoken forms. Recognizing the distinction between CALP and BICS can help educators tailor their instruction to support students' language development more effectively.