What is IB Language Ab Initio?

If you’re selecting your options for the International Baccalaureate (IB), you might be wondering about the different language acquisition courses in the Diploma Programme.

If you’re new to languages, don’t worry; IB Language ab initio (opens in a new tab) (which means language ‘from the beginning) is designed specifically for beginners.

This guide explains what the course covers, how it's assessed, and where it can lead to next.

Key Takeaways

• IB Language ab initio is the Diploma Programme's second-language acquisition course for students with little to no prior experience of the target language

• You can only take it at Standard Level (SL), not Higher Level (HL)

• It is distinct from IB Language B

• Assessment consists of three components, including an oral exam

• IB Language ab initio has many available languages, including Spanish, Mandarin and French

What is IB Language Ab Initio?

IB Language ab initio is a two-year IB Diploma Programme course, designed to develop your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in a language you have little to no prior experience with.

How does IB Language Ab Initio fit in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme, designed for students aged 16-19, asks you to take six subjects: three at SL and three at HL. You’ll also need to complete the IB Core, which consists of the Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

IB Language ab initio is part of Subject Group 2: Language Acquisition in the IB curriculum.

Language Ab Initio vs Language B — what's the difference?

With different IB language options, it’s easy to get confused. Here are the key features to note:

Language ab initio (which means language ‘from the beginning’) is for students with little to no prior experience of the target language. It is only available at SL.

Language B is for students who want to develop their knowledge and skills in a target language they’re already fairly familiar with. It is available at both SL and HL.

What languages can you take for IB Language Ab Initio?

IB Language ab initio has a wide range of available languages. Here are some popular options:

• French

• Spanish

• German

• Mandarin

• Italian

• Arabic

Most schools have a smaller subset to choose from, so talk to your language teacher to check what’s available at your school.

What do you study in IB Language Ab Initio?

IB Language ab initio splits its content across 5 themes. These are listed below, alongside some prescribed topics for each:

1. Identities

• Relationships

• Eating and drinking

• Physical wellbeing

2. Experiences

• Daily routine

• Leisure

• Holidays

3. Human ingenuity

• Entertainment

• Transport

• Technology

4. Social organisation

• Education

• The workplace

• Social issues

5. Sharing the planet

• The environment

• Climate

• Global issues

How is IB Language Ab Initio assessed?

The table below includes an overview of each of the three compulsory components:

Can you take IB Language Ab Initio at Higher Level?

No. Ab Initio is only available at SL, as it’s designed specifically for beginners.

IB Language B, a separate course, is available at both SL and HL. It does, however, require prior experience with your target language.

Our guide on IB Standard vs Higher Level offers more detailed information on the different options.

How hard is IB Language Ab Initio?

Though it’s generally not listed among the top 10 top 10 hardest IB subjects, IB Language ab initio can be tricky for some students. You’ll need to develop skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and many students find the oral assessment nervewracking.

Learning a language you’ve never studied means you’ll face a much steeper initial learning curve, even if the subject itself is not actually harder. Don’t worry too much, though; the course’s SL-only structure is deliberate, as it is designed specifically for beginners.

What can you do with IB Language Ab Initio?

Though IB Language ab initio gives you an additional language foundation (rather than fluency), it can still open up different pathways:

Further Study

• Year-abroad opportunities at university level (with appropriate support)

• Joint honours, e.g. French and Economics or English and Beginners’ German

Careers

• International business

• Tourism

• Civil service

Is IB Language Ab Initio right for you?

If you have no prior experience of a language but want a language course designed for beginners, IB Language ab initio is well worth considering.

If you have prior experience in your target language, go for IB Language B instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IB Language Ab Initio easier than Language B?

Generally, yes. It’s only available at SL, which requires around 150 teaching hours (unlike the 240 hours recommended for HL Language B).

Though the content is simpler, the fact that you’re learning a language from scratch is usually what students find most challenging about IB Language ab initio.

Is there coursework in IB Language Ab Initio?

There is no written coursework component, but the individual oral assessment is a practical speaking exam worth 25% of your total mark.

Can you take more than one language at IB Language Ab Initio?

Technically yes – you can swap your Arts subjects for a second Language Acquisition subject  – but this is rare and generally discouraged. Learning one language from scratch is already difficult, so adding a second language would cause undue pressure.

Does IB Language Ab Initio count towards the Bilingual Diploma?

No, as ab initio is a beginner course. The IB Bilingual Diploma is awarded to students who study two different languages in Language A, or one Language A subject and one other subject (excluding language acquisition and literature) in a different language.

If you’re new to your target language and want a course designed for beginners, IB Language ab initio is the ideal choice. Consider how it might fit into your other choices to make the best IB subject combination for you.