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.
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.
Your Functional Toolkit: Directions
Function: Asking for Directions
- How do I get to...? (Question) | តើខ្ញុំទៅ...ដោយរបៀបណា? | The most common way to ask for directions. ↩
- Where is the nearest...? (Question) | តើ...ដែលនៅជិតជាងគេនៅឯណា? | Use this when you need the closest place (e.g., bank, ATM).
Function: Giving Directions
- go straight | ទៅត្រង់ ↩
- turn left | បត់ឆ្វេង ↩
- turn right | បត់ស្តាំ
- on the left / on the right | នៅខាងឆ្វេង / នៅខាងស្ដាំ ↩
- next to | នៅជាប់
- cross the road | ឆ្លងផ្លូវ
- traffic lights | ភ្លើងស្តុប ↩
- at the corner | នៅត្រង់កាច់ជ្រុង
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."
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.
Practice Giving Directions
Activity 1: What's the Phrase?
Match the direction to the correct phrase.
- Go straight
- Turn left
- 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."
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.