Listening: Understanding Natural Connected Speech (Very Basic) A1 - Lesson 2: Understanding Simple Greetings and Farewells at Natural Speed.

Understanding Natural Speech A1: Simple Greetings and Farewells

Welcome back! In this lesson, we will continue learning about connected speech³. We will practice understanding common greetings¹ and farewells² when they are spoken at a natural, faster speed.

1. Greeting: "What are you up to?"

This is a very common, informal way to ask, "What are you doing?"

In natural speech, the words "What are" often blend together to sound like "Whaddaya". Listen to the difference.

Slow Speed: "What are you up to?"

Natural Speed: "Whaddaya up to?"

2. Greeting: "How's it going?"

This is another friendly way to say, "How are you?"

In natural speech, "How's" and "it" link together. Also, the 'g' at the end of "going" is often soft or silent. Listen carefully.

Slow Speed: "How is it going?"

Natural Speed: "How's it goin'?"

3. Farewell: "See you later."

This is a common way to say goodbye.

In natural speech, "See you" often sounds like "See-ya".

Slow Speed: "See. You. Later."

Natural Speed: "See ya later."

4. Farewell: "Have a good one."

This is a friendly farewell that means "Have a good day" or "Have a good evening." The words link together smoothly.

Slow Speed: "Have a good one."

Natural Speed: "Have a good one."

Quiz: What Did You Hear?

Listen to the natural speed recording. Choose the sentence that you heard.

1. Audio 1: (Listen to the audio)

   Which sentence did you hear?
   (a) How is it going?     or     (b) What are you doing?

2. Audio 2: (Listen to the audio)

   Which sentence did you hear?
   (a) See you later.     or     (b) Have a good one.

3. Audio 3: (Listen to the audio)

   Which sentence did you hear?
   (a) What's that?     or     (b) What are you up to?

Click to Show Answers

Answers: 1-a, 2-a, 3-b

Homework Task

1. Listen for Greetings: When you are at a cafe or market in Siem Reap, listen to how tourists greet each other. Do they speak slowly, or do they use fast, connected speech?

2. Practice with a Friend: Try saying "See ya later" and "Have a good one" to a friend. Try to say the words smoothly, not like separate words.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Greeting (noun) - Khmer: ការសួរសុខទុក្ខ - A polite word or sign of welcome when meeting someone. ↩
2. Farewell (noun) - Khmer: ការលាគ្នា - A word or phrase used when leaving someone; goodbye. ↩
3. Connected Speech (noun phrase) - Khmer: ការនិយាយតភ្ជាប់ - The way sounds and words can change and link together when spoken at a natural speed. ↩