Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h4MK9BC13092; Thu, 22 May 2003 16:09:11 -0400 (EDT) Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 16:09:11 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <seccd9bb.021@nmail.epcc.edu> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "Andres Muro" <AndresM@epcc.edu> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9020] Re: Presentation X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII X-Mailer: Novell GroupWise 5.5.5 Status: O Content-Length: 3411 Lines: 80 Elsa: Agreed. I think that the distinction between BICS and CALPS still applies, and in my opinion, it is a valid and applicable one. However, language acquisition happens in context which involves social, cultural, economic, psychological and historical forces that shape the acquisition process. In other words, BICS and CALPS are elements in social context that may impact language acquisition, together with disposition towards school, economic conditions, cultural background, etc, etc. I think that the problem is that BICS and CALPS cannot be separated from the other forces that shape language acquisition and studied as independent variables. Still, I think that they are important concepts to know and understand. Recently, I read Within our Reach by Elizabeth Shor. It has changed the way I look at acquisition theories and models considerably. Andres >>> Elsa.Auerbach@umb.edu 05/22/03 01:37PM >>> Please let's be careful not to oversimplify this very complex theoretical construct. Cummins himself has moved away from using the terms BICS and CALP because of all the ways the concepts are reductionist and have been mis-applied. Reading Cummins own recent work is a place to start in understanding these issues. Elsa Auerbach > ---------- > From: Andres Muro > Reply To: nifl-esl@nifl.gov > Sent: Thursday, May 22, 2003 12:18 PM > To: Multiple recipients of list > Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9015] Re: Presentation > > Bics: basic interpersonal communication skills. > > Calps Cognitive academic language proficiency skills > > People can get BICS in a language before they get CALPS in that same language. > > People cannot get BICS in a language and then get CALPS in a second language. Before people get CALPS in a second language they must get BICS in that language. > > However, if people have CALPS in a native language, they can get CALPS in a second language. > > This comes for Jim Cummins (not sure is this is correct spelling) and it is a good argument in favor of bilingual education. > > I wonder if I am saying something that may lead to censorship of this message, > > Andres > > >>> irrobert@swbell.net 05/20/03 02:34PM >>> > You can find a brief explanation here > > http://www.iteachilearn.com/cummins/bicscalp.html > > Robert M. Pinhero, Social Entrepreneur > Education & Training Consultant > Member of ProLiteracy America's Domestic Governance Council > PO Box 684031 > Austin, Texas 78768-4031 > Voice: 512-236-1052 > Fax: 512-478-8208 > http://www.robertpinhero.com/ > > > -----Original Message----- > From: nifl-esl@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-esl@nifl.gov]On Behalf Of Mona > Curtis > Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2003 2:15 PM > To: Multiple recipients of list > Subject: [NIFL-ESL:9008] Re: Presentation > > > I could use some instruction on the difference between BICS and CALPS. > > > >>> MTHORNDYCRAFT@lakeorion.k12.mi.us 05/20/03 12:48PM >>> > I think you should include facts about how long it takes to acquire a > language and the difference between BICS and CALPS. I think a lot of > people not associated with teaching ESL don't realize how long it > takes > to fully function in a regular classroom. > > >>> SusanPate@aol.com 05/20/03 02:27PM >>> > I've been asked to conduct a presentation/inservice on ESL Basics for > my > district. Any suggestions/ideas that should be included will be > greatly > > appreciated! Thanks! > > >
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