The DP language ab initio course is designed for students with no prior experience of the target language or for students with very limited previous exposure. Language ab initio is only available at SL. Language ab initio is designed to develop the competences and intercultural understanding needed for successful communication within and outside of the classroom in contexts in which the target language is used. Understanding the relationship between language and culture, and their inseparability, provides insight into how users of the target language view the world and how the evolving world view influences language. Learning and using the target language develops international-mindedness, fosters respect for cultural diversity, and is central to the IB mission of education for a better, more peaceful world. Language ab initio students will view language through the lenses of cultures, communication and perspectives. They will develop sociolinguistic skills (the use of language appropriate to the context), linguistic skills (the knowledge and understanding of the language system), and pragmatic skills (the handling of ideas for the construction and communication of messages). In learning how language works, students will use and develop critical-thinking skills. In experimenting with language, students will use and develop creative-thinking skills. The aims for language ab initio are as follows. • Develop international-mindedness through the study of languages, cultures, and ideas and issues of global significance. • Enable students to communicate in the target language in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes.