Language is a code system with rules that allows humans to communicate ideas through speech, writing, and reading. It consists of words as symbols in the code and rules for combining words. Language exists within a social context and is necessary for thinking. There are phonological, morphological, and syntax rules that govern language. Academic language proficiency involves more formal and complex language skills than social language and is necessary for academic success.

1. Language

2. What is language?
• Language is a code system used to represent concepts
• Words are the symbols for the code
• Each language has rules of how words can be combined
We cannot say: Teacher a Mary is
• Language is used to communicate through speech, writing and
reading.
• Language does not exist in a vacuum – it is a social tool to
communicate our ideas. Without language we cannot think.

3. Rules of language
• Phonological rules – to combine individual sounds into words for
example – ph – sound ? Df ? Fz?
• Morphological rules – the smallest unit of a word is called a
morpheme for example ‘happy’ – unhappy, happily
• Syntax rules – Rules that tell us the word order in a sentence
• Semantic rules – the meaning of words

4. Academic language/ Language proficiency
• The difference between formal and informal learning
• Social language VS academic language
• There is a difference between communicative fluency and academic
fluency
What is it called?
Jim Cummings (1979)

5. Language proficiency for bilingual children
• BICS – Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills
Social in nature/ informal learning
• CALP – Cognitive academic language proficiency
Formal learning
Jim Cummings (1979) developed these concepts to describe the
difference between conversational fluency and academic language
fluency.

6. Note: It is not an approach for second
language learning.
• It is framework to describe how and when people learn second language -
developed by Jim Cummings (1979)
Six Core Academic language skills
• Organising text - from story telling to writing
• Connecting ideas – with words or phrases – but, yet, also
• Tracking themes – John is a fast runner/ He can….
• Understanding complex sentences – The dog sit/ The ugly big dog sits
• Analysing words – unhappy = un + happy
• Can produce complex sentences – from choosing a sentence to writing a
sentence.

9. 2. Describe the difference between social and academic language and
give examples.
3. Define BICS and CALP
4. Describe the process of learning to read
5. Describe the 6 core academic skills.
6. Conclusion

10. Writing guide
• All papers must be typed in Arial – size 12
• Text must be justified.
• Flow – see that your paper is easy to read
• End your paper with References.