Speaking: Functional Language A2 - Lesson 1: Asking for & Giving Simple Directions

Speaking: Functional Language A2 - Lesson 1

Function: Asking for & Giving Simple Directions

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to perform the function of asking for, and giving, simple, multi-step directions to a place.

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Conversation Scenario: Finding a Place in Siem Reap

Giving directions is a very common and useful function. It requires clear, simple language and a logical order. Let's look at a tourist asking for directions to a famous landmark.

Tourist: Excuse me, how do I get to¹ Pub Street?

You: Oh, sure. First, go straight² on this road for about 500 metres.

Tourist: Okay, go straight.

You: Then, at the traffic lights⁸, turn left³.

Tourist: Turn left at the traffic lights. Got it.

You: Walk for about two minutes, and you'll see it. It's a busy street on the right⁵. You can't miss it.

Tourist: Great! Thank you so much.

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Your Functional Toolkit: Directions

Function: Asking for Directions

1. How do I get to...? (Question) | តើខ្ញុំទៅ...ដោយរបៀបណា? | The most common way to ask for directions. ↩
2. Where is the nearest...? (Question) | តើ...ដែលនៅជិតជាងគេនៅឯណា? | Use this when you need the closest place (e.g., bank, ATM).

Function: Giving Directions

2. go straight | ទៅត្រង់ ↩
3. turn left | បត់ឆ្វេង ↩
4. turn right | បត់ស្តាំ
5. on the left / on the right | នៅខាងឆ្វេង / នៅខាងស្ដាំ ↩
6. next to | នៅជាប់
7. cross the road | ឆ្លងផ្លូវ
8. traffic lights | ភ្លើងស្តុប ↩
9. at the corner | នៅត្រង់កាច់ជ្រុង

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record_voice_over Pronunciation: Linking in Direction Phrases

To give directions clearly and fluently, we link the words together into smooth chunks. We don't pause between every word.

• "Turn left at the corner" sounds like one smooth phrase: "turn-left-at-the-corner".
• "It's on the right" sounds like: "It's-on-the-right".

Also, stress the most important words in the phrase: "Go STRAIGHT." "Turn LEFT."

lightbulb Building a Set of Directions

You can combine direction phrases with sequencers (First, Then, Next, Finally) to give clear, multi-step directions.

Step 1 (The first action): First, go straight on this road.

Step 2 (The next action): Then, turn right at the traffic lights.

Step 3 (The final location): Finally, walk for one minute. The bank is on your left, next to the café.

sports_esports Practice Giving Directions

Activity 1: What's the Phrase?

Match the direction to the correct phrase.

1. Go straight
2. Turn left
3. Turn right

Activity 2: Role-Play with a Map

Work with a partner. Student A, you are a tourist. You are at the Old Market (Phsar Chas). You want to go to the Angkor Wat ticket office. Ask Student B for directions.

Student B, you are a local person. Use these directions to help the tourist:
"First, go straight on Sivatha Road. Then, at the big roundabout, turn right. Go straight for about 2 kilometers. The ticket office is a big, modern building on your left."

task Your Functional Mission

This week in Siem Reap, your mission is to perform the function of giving directions.

Imagine a friend is visiting you. Practice explaining how to get from a well-known landmark (like the Old Market) to your house. Use at least three phrases from this lesson. Say the directions aloud to yourself until you can say them smoothly.