Which term refers to the language ability needed for casual conversation?

The term that refers to the language ability needed for casual conversation is Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills, commonly abbreviated as BICS. This concept, developed by educational linguist Jim Cummins, describes the everyday language skills that individuals use in social situations. These skills are typically acquired quickly and are essential for basic communication in informal settings, such as chatting with friends or engaging in simple discussions.

The distinction between BICS and other types of language skills is important; while BICS focuses on the informal, conversational use of language, other forms like Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) involve more complex language skills necessary for academic contexts, such as reading and writing in formal settings. Understanding this difference helps educators recognize the varying levels of language development and the needs of their students as they navigate social interactions and academic environments.