Speaking: Vocabulary for Speaking C2 - Lesson 3: Discoursal Competence in Lexical Choice for Any Context

Speaking: Vocabulary for Speaking C2

Discoursal Competence in Lexical Choice

Listen to the dialogue example here.

What you will learn: At a C2 level, vocabulary is not just about *what* you say, but *how* and *why* you say it. This lesson focuses on "Discoursal Competence": the strategic use of words to manage social interactions, signal your stance, and structure your arguments with native-like finesse.

Scenario: The High-Stakes Meeting 💬

Compare two ways of handling a disagreement in a professional meeting. Speaker B uses C2-level discoursal competence.

Manager A: "To fix the budget, we must cut the R&D department by 30%."

Manager B (C2): "I understand the financial constraints, admittedly. However, a 30% cut seems rather drastic. Perhaps we could re-evaluate the long-term implications?"

Manager A: "Drastic?"

Manager B (C2): "Frankly, gutting R&D could render us obsolete in three years. I'm just concerned that we're prioritizing short-term gains over long-term survival."

💡 Analysis: Why Manager B's Language is C2-Level

Manager B uses specific words to strategically manage the conversation:

• "Admittedly...": This is a Concession Marker. B immediately shows respect by agreeing with A's *problem* (financial constraints) before disagreeing with A's *solution*.
• "Rather drastic...": This is Hedging/Down-toning. "It's drastic" is strong. "It's *rather* drastic" is more professional and less aggressive.
• "Perhaps we could re-evaluate...": This is a Polite Suggestion. "We must re-evaluate" is confrontational. "Perhaps we could" opens a discussion politely.
• "Frankly...": This is a Stance Marker. It signals, "I am now going to be very direct and honest."
• "Gutting / Obsolete": This is strong, precise Lexical Choice. "Gutting" is more powerful than "cutting." "Obsolete" is more professional than "old."
• "I'm just concerned that...": This is Hedging. It frames a strong warning ("we will fail") as a personal feeling ("I'm concerned"), which is softer and less accusatory.

The C2 Speaker's Strategic Toolkit 🛠️ (Click 🔊)

Your vocabulary is a toolkit. At C2, you choose tools to manage the *conversation* itself.

Tool 1: Hedging & Down-toning

Words that soften a statement to be polite, humble, or less direct.

• It seems to me that...
• I'm just wondering if...
• This is a bit of an issue.
• That's not quite accurate.

Tool 2: Boosting & Emphasizing

Words that strengthen a statement to show conviction or certainty.

• It's undoubtedly the best choice.
• This is fundamentally incorrect.
• I am adamant that...
• It is imperative that we...

Tool 3: Stance & Discourse Markers

Words that signal your attitude or guide the listener.

• Admittedly, ... (Concession)
• Frankly, ... (Bluntness)
• Presumably, ... (Assumption)
• Ultimately, ... (Final Point)

Pronunciation Tip: "Throw-Away" Intonation

🗣️ Sounding Natural with Discourse Markers

Many of these markers (like admittedly, to be honest, anyway, so) are often said quickly, with a low, falling pitch. They are "thrown away" before you get to your main point. This signals to the listener that this is just a transition word, and the *real* information is coming next.

Practice: Say "Admittedly..." (fast, low pitch ↘) ... [pause] ... "the plan is good." (main pitch).

"Admittedly... the plan is good."

Practice Your Strategic Choice 🎯

Practice Quiz: What's the Smartest Choice?

Read the situation, then choose the lexical choice that best achieves the C2-level goal. Click "Check Answers" when done.

1. Goal: Professionally and politely disagree with a colleague who just said, "This is the only way to solve the problem."

• A) "I don't think so. You're wrong."
• B) "I'm not entirely convinced that's our only option."
• C) "That's a bad idea."

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2. Goal: Concede a small point to your opponent in a debate so you can make a stronger counter-argument.

• A) "Admittedly, your point about the cost is valid. However, the long-term benefit..."
• B) "You are right about the cost. But you are wrong about the long-term benefit."
• C) "Ultimately, your point about the cost is valid, and the long-term benefit is good."

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3. Goal: You are 100% certain and want to stop all further argument.

• A) "It seems to me that this is the final decision."
• B) "I'm pretty sure this is the final decision."
• C) "Undoubtedly, this is the final decision."

Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)

• Discoursal Competence (Noun) | សមត្ថភាពវาทសាស្ត្រ
  The ability to use language effectively to manage a conversation, link ideas, and achieve a social goal.
• Lexical Choice (Noun) | ជម្រើសនៃពាក្យ
  The specific word or phrase a speaker chooses from all available options.
• To Hedge (Verb) | និយាយបញ្ចៀស
  To use cautious or vague language to soften a statement or avoid commitment.
• Stance (Noun) | ជំហរ
  A speaker's attitude or position on a topic, often signaled by specific words.
• Prosody (Noun) | ngữ điệu
  The "music" of speech, including intonation, stress, and rhythm.
• Obsolete (Adjective) | ហួសសម័យ
  No longer produced or used; out of date.
• Drastic (Adjective) | ធ្ងន់ធ្ងរ
  Likely to have a strong or far-reaching effect; radical and extreme.

Your Mission: The Analyst Challenge ⭐

Your mission is to find these C2 techniques in the real world.

1. Find a 2-3 minute interview in English with a CEO, politician, or expert (e.g., on YouTube, BBC News, or a podcast).
2. Listen carefully, not just for *what* they say, but *how* they say it.
3. Identify and write down:
   • Two examples of Hedging (e.g., "It *seems*...", "It's *a bit*...", "We *might*...")
   • One example of Boosting (e.g., "*Clearly*...", "*Absolutely*...", "*Fundamentally*...")
   • One Discourse/Stance Marker (e.g., "*Ultimately*...", "*Frankly*...", "*Admittedly*...")
4. Practice saying the sentences you found, trying to copy the speaker's original intonation and purpose.