What does the term 'common underlying proficiency' in Cummins' framework describe?

The term 'common underlying proficiency' in Cummins' framework refers to the interdependence of language skills across different languages. It suggests that skills learned in one language can positively influence and enhance a learner's ability to acquire another language. This concept emphasizes that cognitive and academic abilities, while developed in one language, can transfer to another, leading to a more integrated understanding of language learning overall. This perspective supports the idea that bilingual individuals can draw on their knowledge and skills from both languages, reinforcing the notion that language abilities interact with each other, contributing to overall language proficiency and cognitive development.