There are two major aspects of language proficiency that must be acquired by second language learners. Jim Cummins has identified these as Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS), or conversational proficiency, and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP), or academic proficiency.CALP stands for 'Cognitively Advanced Language Proficiency'. It refers to the idea of developing second language skills that are essential for academic learning. It is a Cognitively demanding language that relates to abstract concepts, has specialized vocabulary, and uses a more complex abstract language structure.Cognitively Advanced Language Proficiency is the language skill that is required to:use higher-order thinking skills.occur in a context-reduced environment.discuss academic content in the classroom.interact in decontextualized academic situations.deal with fundamental skills of language essential to academics.Hence, we conclude that Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) refers to complex and abstract ideas that are conveyed through an abstract language.Additional Information BICS stands for Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills. These language skills are needed in social situations. It refers to the language that is necessary for day-to-day living, including conversations with friends, and informal interactions.