BICS, or Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills, refers to the language skills needed for everyday social interactions. These skills include speaking, listening, and understanding language in informal settings, such as conversations with friends or family. BICS typically develops quickly in language learners, often within two to three years of exposure to a new language. Unlike BICS, CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) involves more complex language skills required for academic success. While BICS focuses on social communication, CALP is essential for understanding and using language in educational contexts, such as reading textbooks or writing essays.