Mrs. Usha Rani, a teacher of English at the Government High School, supports her learners to speak the English language by making them use the language for day-to-day purposes and by teaching them formulaic usages. What does she attempt to develop in her learner?
Correct Answer :
Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills
Solution :
The correct option is Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills.
Explanation and Educational Context:
In language acquisition theory, Jim Cummins identified two distinct types of language proficiency:
1. Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS):
BICS refers to the conversational fluency and social language skills required for daily interactions. These skills are used in informal settings such as chatting with peers, talking on the phone, or engaging in day-to-day routine activities. Formulaic usages (fixed expressions, common phrases, and greetings used in daily communication) directly foster BICS because they help learners navigate real-world, social situations with ease.
2. Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP):
CALP refers to formal academic learning. This includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing about subject-area content, which requires higher-order thinking skills and abstract language comprehension.
Since Mrs. Usha Rani focuses on enabling her students to use English for day-to-day purposes and equips them with formulaic usages, she is specifically attempting to develop their Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS).
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