What is Academic Language?
By Sara Huse
To answer this question about academic language, Huse first acknowledges that there is no single definition. She then reiterates the difference between BICS (basic interpersonal communication skills) and CALP (cognitive academic language proficiency). Multilingual learners are often able to acquire BICS within a year, but this does not negate their continuing need for support in using academic language. The author notes that the current asset-based approach has had a positive effect in language teaching because it creates “an equitable and supportive learning environment”.
The article continues by defining and offering examples of three aspects of language development.
Vocabulary – Building on Background Knowledge: Since Tier 1 words are commonly used every day, the focus of academic vocabulary is Tier 2 words, which are used across disciplines, but may have different meanings, and Tier 3 words that are specific to a subject. Various strategies for teaching vocabulary are listed. Huse writes about her success in pre-teaching the essential vocabulary for a lesson about animal adaptations.
Language Control – Explicit AND Engaging Instruction: This involves grammar and parts of speech. The author has had success using sentence patterning charts for creating sentences and as models for speaking and writing.
Linguistic Forms and Conventions – Scaffolding and Support: Given adequate tools, MLs can ” speak, write, read, and understand increasingly complex sentences”. Huse taught the conjunctions so and because to help her students write about animal adaptations.
The author concludes that by focusing consistently on these three aspects of language instruction, all students can grow linguistically and academically.
The authors stress the importance of mastery of academic language as a key determiner of success in every subject. These authors also define BICS as Tier 1 or daily conversational vocabulary. However, in defining CALP, they recognize that it can take four to seven years for mastery. Because of this, “’It is important for teachers to speak to students in a way that promotes language in every aspect of their school day.’”
