The DP language B course is intended for students who already have some experience in the target language they choose to study. Most language B subjects are available at both SL and HL. Language B 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 B 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. A key distinction between SL and HL is in the proficiency the student already has when entering the course and the proficiency they are expected to develop during the course.