Listening: Understanding Natural Connected Speech (Mastery) C1 - Lesson 3: Appreciating Stylistic Variations in Speech

C1 Mastery: Appreciating Stylistic Variations in Speech

Welcome! In our final C1 lesson, we will learn to appreciate different stylistic variations¹ in speech. This is about understanding how a speaker's choice of words and delivery style creates a specific effect on the listener.

Note: Our computer voice will "pretend" to use different styles by changing its speed, pitch, rhythm, and word choice. Listen carefully for these simulated changes.

1. What is Stylistic Variation?

Speakers adapt their style for different purposes. Today, we will listen to three different styles describing the same thing: an ancient tree.

• Formal/Scientific: Used to inform and educate with precise, objective language.
• Casual/Colloquial: Used to chat with friends, with simple language and personal feelings.
• Poetic/Dramatic: Used to create a strong emotional image or feeling with descriptive language.

2. Practice: Describing a Tree

Listen to these three different descriptions of an ancient Banyan tree at a temple near Siem Reap. Notice how the style changes the feeling and the information presented.

(The buttons below will describe the same tree, but will use completely different language and vocal styles to do so.)

Quiz: Identify the Style

Listen to the speaker talk about "the ocean." Based on the language and the simulated delivery, identify the style.

1. Audio 1: What style is this? (a) Formal, (b) Casual, (c) Poetic

2. Audio 2: What style is this? (a) Formal, (b) Casual, (c) Poetic

3. Audio 3: What style is this? (a) Formal, (b) Casual, (c) Poetic

Click to Show Answers

Answers: 1-c (uses figurative language), 2-a (uses objective facts and numbers), 3-b (uses slang and informal language).

Homework Task

1. Find the Style: Find three short English texts or audio clips about the same topic (e.g., a specific car). Find one that is a technical description from a manual (formal), one that is a review from a car enthusiast on YouTube (casual), and one from a television advertisement that uses exciting, emotional language (dramatic/persuasive).

2. Practice Stylistic Switching: Describe your favorite food. First, describe it formally, as if you were writing a dictionary entry about its ingredients and origin. Then, describe it informally, as if you were telling a close friend how delicious it is.

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Stylistic Variation (noun phrase) - Khmer: បម្រែបម្រួលនៃរចនាប័ទ្ម - Differences in language use (e.g., vocabulary, grammar, tone) depending on the context or purpose. ↩
2. Formal (adjective) - Khmer: ជាផ្លូវការ - A style of language that is serious, follows grammatical rules, and is used in official or academic settings. ↩
3. Colloquial (adjective) - Khmer: ភាសានិយាយ - A style of language that is informal and conversational, used with friends and family. ↩
4. Poetic (adjective) - Khmer: កំណាព្យ - A style of language that is expressive and imaginative, using words to create a strong emotional feeling or image. ↩