Welcome to your spoken development module! When describing the physical world around us in English, our vocabulary changes based on how close or far things are.
In this lesson, we will master the four key "pointing words" (demonstratives): this, that, these, and those. We will also focus heavily on pronunciation, as confusing the short 'i' and long 'e' sounds is a very common trap for learners.
Welcome to your spoken development module! I am your instructor, Teacher Sopheak. In active English conversation, we must adjust our vocabulary based on whether objects are near our bodies or far away in the environment.
Let us go through this structural document together to master the vocal delivery, phonetic lengths, and verb rules for all four pointing terms (Demonstratives).
Proximal Pointing Units (Near)
When speaking about an object you can physically touch or that sits within your immediate personal space, you must use near demonstratives. We separate single items from plural groups by altering both vowel length and the ending sound.
Spoken Example: This sketch in my hand outlines a custom layout structure.
Spoken Example: These shirts right here are ready for local delivery.
A major pronunciation blocker for English learners is executing 'this' and 'these' identically. To speak fluently, you must cut 'this' short with a sharp /s/ hiss, and expand 'these' with a long /i:/ vowel concluding in a vibrating /z/ buzz sound.
Distal Pointing Units (Far)
When pointing out objects located away from your body—such as across a street, on a distant wall, or across a room—you must shift to far demonstratives.
Spoken Example: That basket hanging on the wall is an authentic traditional craft piece.
Spoken Example: Those characters on the screen over there display excellent rendering quality.
In Action: Coordinating Digital Assets
A frequent error occurs when matching pointing terms with verb connections. You must strictly bind singular forms (This / That) with is, and plural forms (These / Those) with are. Breaking this rule confuses the listener about how many objects exist.
Acoustic Verification Module
Demonstrative Competency Evaluation Complete
Linguistic Oral Missions
Study Resources
Lesson Summary & Review
Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to point out objects accurately in conversation.
The Four Pointing Words
- This: Used for one thing that is near you. (Example: "This pen in my hand.")
- That: Used for one thing that is far away from you. (Example: "That building across the street.")
- These: Used for multiple things that are near you. (Example: "These papers on my desk.")
- Those: Used for multiple things that are far away from you. (Example: "Those cars on the highway.")
Pronunciation and Verbs
Remember that "This" has a short vowel sound, while "These" has a long 'e' sound and ends with a 'z' buzz. Always pair singular words (this/that) with is, and plural words (these/those) with are.
