What does BICS stand for and what does it refer to?

BICS stands for Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills. It refers to the everyday language skills that individuals use in social situations. These skills are essential for effective communication in casual interactions, such as chatting with friends, participating in small talk, and engaging in other informal conversations. BICS is typically acquired more quickly than academic language proficiency, as it involves familiar vocabulary and common social phrases that learners encounter in their daily lives. Understanding BICS is crucial for educators and language practitioners because it highlights the importance of conversational skills in supporting language learners and their integration into social contexts.