C1
Politeness & Directness
ការសម្របខ្លួនក្នុងទំនាក់ទំនង
🎯 Objective / គោលបំណង:
Learn to slide between Direct and Indirect speech depending on the power dynamic.
💬 Scenario: The Error
Situation: You spot a mistake in a report.
You (To Junior) Direct
"Vanna, these numbers are wrong. Please fix them by 2 PM."
(Efficient, clear, acceptable for downward communication.)
You (To Boss) Indirect
"I noticed a slight discrepancy in the figures on page 3. Would you mind if I double-checked them against the source data?"
(Face-saving, polite, uses "discrepancy" instead of "wrong".)
The Directness Spectrum
English speakers use indirect language to soften "Face-Threatening Acts" (FTAs) like correcting, refusing, or requesting.
Level 1: Blunt (Avoid) ចំៗពេក
"You are wrong." / "Give me the report."
Too aggressive for most professional contexts.
Too aggressive for most professional contexts.
Level 2: Direct (Standard) ធម្មតា
"I think there is a mistake." / "Could you send the report?"
Good for equals or juniors.
Good for equals or juniors.
Level 3: Indirect (Polite) គួរសម
"It seems there might be an issue." / "I was wondering if you could send the report?"
Standard for clients or seniors.
Standard for clients or seniors.
Level 4: High-Context (Face-Saving) រក្សាមុខមាត់
"I’m not entirely sure the data aligns perfectly here..."
Use for delicate corrections of superiors.
Use for delicate corrections of superiors.
Select the Best Response
Situation: You need to tell a Client that their idea is impossible.
A. "No, we can't do that. It's impossible."
B. "That's an interesting concept. However, there may be some logistical challenges that make it difficult to implement right now."
C. "Your idea is bad."
Situation: Your close friend asks if you want to go to a party, but you are tired.
A. "I apologize, but I am currently indisposed." (Too formal)
B. "I'm beat. I think I'm gonna pass tonight." (Appropriately casual/direct)
C. "I'm afraid that might be difficult for me." (Too stiff)