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

Speaking: Functional Language A2

Function: Asking for & Giving Simple Directions

Listen to the conversation example.

What you will learn: 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.

Conversation Scenario 💬 (Click 🔊)

Giving directions is a common and useful function. Let's look at a tourist asking for directions in Siem Reap.

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

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

Tourist: Okay, go straight.

You: Then, at the traffic lights, turn left.

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

You: Walk for about two minutes, and you'll see it on the right. You can't miss it.

Tourist: Great! Thank you so much.

📍 You Are Here

⬇️ Go Straight (500m)

⬅️ Turn Left at Traffic Lights 🚦

🎯 Pub Street (On the Right)

Simple map to Pub Street

Your Functional Toolkit 🗺️ (Click 🔊)

Here are the most important phrases you need for asking for and giving directions.

❓ Asking for Directions

• How do I get to...?
• Where is the nearest...?
• Can you tell me the way to...?

➡️ Giving Directions

• Go straight
• Turn left / Turn right
• It's on the left / on the right
• It's next to... / opposite...
• Cross the road

How to Give Clear Directions

Combine direction phrases with sequencers (First, Then, Finally) to give clear, multi-step directions.

• Step 1: First...

  Start with the first action. Example: "First, go straight on this road."

• Step 2: Then...

  Give the next action. Example: "Then, turn right at the traffic lights."

• Step 3: Finally...

  Describe the final location. Example: "Finally, the bank is on your left."

Tips for Sounding Clear

🗣️ Linking Words Smoothly

To give directions fluently, we link words together into smooth chunks. Listen:

• "Turn left at the corner" sounds like: "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."

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Practice Giving Directions 🎯

Activity: Role-Play with a Map (Click 🔊)

Work with a partner to practice giving directions from the Old Market (Phsar Chas) to the Angkor Wat ticket office. Click 🔊 to hear the lines.

Student A (Tourist): Ask for directions: "Excuse me, how do I get to the ticket office?"

Student B (Local): Give directions using the text below.

"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 building on your left."

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

• How do I get to...? (Question)

  A common way to ask for directions.
• Go straight | ទៅត្រង់
• Turn left / Turn right | បត់ឆ្វេង / បត់ស្តាំ
• On the left / On the right | នៅខាងឆ្វេង / នៅខាងស្ដាំ
• Next to / Opposite | នៅជាប់ / ទល់មុខ
• Traffic lights (Noun) | ភ្លើងស្តុប

  Red, yellow, and green lights that control traffic.
• Roundabout (Noun) | រង្វង់មូល

  A circular intersection where traffic flows in one direction.
• Straight (Adjective/Adverb) | ត្រង់
  Continuing in one direction without turning.
• Nearest (Adjective) | ជិតបំផុត
  Closest in distance.

Your Functional Mission ⭐

This week, 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 in Siem Reap) to your house. Use at least three phrases from this lesson (e.g., "First...", "Then turn left...", "It's on the right..."). Say the directions aloud until you can say them smoothly.