Speaking: Interactive Communication A2 - Lesson 2
Function: Asking for Repetition & Clarification
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use polite phrases to ask someone to repeat themselves or to clarify the meaning of a word you don't understand.
Conversation Scenario: A Communication Problem
It is 100% normal to not understand everything in a conversation. Good communicators know how to solve this problem politely. Let's look at a conversation with a tourist.
Tourist: Excuse me, can you tell me where the nearest cashpoint is?
You: Sorry?1 Could you say that again, please?2
Tourist: Yes. Where is the nearest cashpoint?
You: Ah. I'm sorry, what does "cashpoint" mean?3
Tourist: Oh, it's another word for an ATM. A machine to get money.
You: I see! Thank you. The nearest ATM is next to the bank on Street 2.
Tourist: Great, thank you so much!
Your Interaction Toolkit
Function: Asking for Repetition (You didn't hear clearly)
- Sorry? / Pardon? (Question) | សុំទោស? | A very short, quick, and polite way to show you didn't hear. ↩
- Could you say that again, please? (Question) | តើអ្នកអាចនិយាយម្តងទៀតបានទេ? | A full, very polite sentence to ask someone to repeat their words. ↩
- Could you speak more slowly, please? (Question) | តើអ្នកអាចនិយាយช้าๆกว่านี้ได้ไหม? | Use this if someone's speed is the problem.
Function: Asking for Clarification (You don't understand the meaning)
- I'm sorry, I don't understand. (Phrase) | សុំទោស, ខ្ញុំមិនយល់ទេ | A clear and polite way to say you are confused.
- What does [word] mean? (Question) | តើ [ពាក្យ] មានន័យដូចម្តេច? | The best question to ask when you hear a new word. ↩
Pronunciation: Question Intonation for Repair
When you use these phrases, your intonation is very important. It should sound like a polite question, not a demand.
- "Sorry? ↗" and "Pardon? ↗" must have a rising intonation. Your voice goes up at the end. This makes it a soft, polite question.
- Full questions also have a rising intonation: "Could you say that again, please? ↗"
A flat or falling intonation can sound rude or bored, so always make your voice go up!
Knowing Which Phrase to Use
Choosing the right phrase depends on your problem.
Problem 1: You did not HEAR the words.
Maybe the speaker was too quiet, or it was noisy on the street.
Solution: Ask for REPETITION. Use "Sorry?" or "Could you say that again, please?"
Problem 2: You heard the words, but you do not UNDERSTAND the meaning.
Maybe the speaker used a new vocabulary word.
Solution: Ask for CLARIFICATION. Use "I'm sorry, I don't understand." or "What does [the word] mean?"
Practice Solving Problems
Activity 1: What's the Best Phrase?
For each situation, choose the best phrase to say.
- Your friend is talking very fast and you miss some words. You say: _______
(Best answer: "Sorry, could you speak more slowly, please?") - Your teacher says, "Your homework was 'stupendous'!" You don't know the word "stupendous". You say: _______
(Best answer: "I'm sorry, what does 'stupendous' mean?") - You are on your phone and a tuk-tuk drives past with loud music, so you don't hear your friend. You say: _______
(Best answer: "Sorry? / Pardon? / Could you say that again, please?")
Activity 2: Role-Play
Work with a partner. Student A, read this sentence to your partner: "I think the infrastructure in Siem Reap is improving." Student B, your job is to ask for clarification about the word "infrastructure". Use a phrase from this lesson.
Your Communication Mission
This week in Siem Reap, your mission is to be brave when you don't understand.
In your next English conversation, if you miss a word or don't understand something, do not just nod and smile. Use one of the phrases from this lesson to politely solve the problem. This shows you are an active and confident communicator!