Improve Your Spoken English with Vague Language - English Speaking Lesson

Summary

In this Oxford Online English lesson, Martin teaches the art of using vague language in English conversations. He explains that vague language, which lacks precision, is often used by fluent speakers to sound more natural and facilitate smooth communication. Examples include using 'thing' or 'stuff' to refer to objects, and expressions like 'a few' or 'lots of' for quantities. Vague language also helps avoid unnecessary detail and can make conversations sound more polite. The lesson highlights the appropriate use of vague language in informal settings, while cautioning against it in formal contexts like legal documents.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vague language is a useful tool in English communication, allowing speakers to be less specific and more natural in conversation.
• 🗣️ Informal spoken English often employs vague language to facilitate fluency without the need for precise vocabulary.
• 🔍 The term 'vague' refers to a lack of clarity or detail, which can be intentionally used to sound more natural and less robotic in speech.
• 🗣️ Phrases like 'thing', 'stuff', 'kind of', and 'sort of' are common in English for expressing ideas with less specificity.
• 🔢 When discussing quantities, using expressions such as 'lots of', 'loads of', 'a few', and 'a couple' can avoid unnecessary detail and sound more natural.
• 📝 Shortening lists with phrases like 'and things like that' or 'and so on' makes speech sound more casual and less forced.
• 🤝 Vague language can be polite, as it allows for indirectness which can be less confrontational in certain social situations.
• 🚫 In contrast, vague language is not appropriate in formal or legal contexts where precision and clarity are essential.
• 🧠 Forgetting a word? Vague language can be a lifesaver, allowing you to describe objects or people without specifying exact names.
• 💡 Vague language can make English conversations sound more polite and less direct, which is often preferred in English-speaking cultures.

Q & A

What is vague language and why is it useful in English communication?

Vague language refers to expressions that are not clear or detailed. It is useful in English communication because it allows speakers to communicate more naturally and fluently without needing to use precise vocabulary, making conversations sound more casual and less robotic.

How does using vague language make English sound more natural?

Using vague language makes English sound more natural by mimicking the way native speakers often communicate in informal settings. It helps avoid unnecessary details and allows for more efficient expression of ideas.

What are some examples of vague language used in the script?

Examples of vague language in the script include using 'thing' or 'stuff' to refer to objects or tasks, using expressions like 'lots of', 'loads of', 'a few', 'a couple' for quantities, and phrases like 'and things like that', 'and so on' to shorten lists.

Why might giving too much detail in a conversation sound unnatural?

Giving too much detail in a conversation can sound unnatural because it does not reflect the typical conversational patterns of native speakers, who often use vague language to keep the conversation flowing smoothly and to avoid overwhelming the listener with information.

How can vague language help in making a conversation sound more polite?

Vague language can make a conversation sound more polite by softening direct statements. For example, using phrases like 'kind of', 'sort of', or 'around' can make requests or opinions sound less assertive and more considerate of the listener's perspective.

What is the significance of using vague language when you can't remember a specific word?

When you can't remember a specific word, using vague language such as 'thingy', 'whatsit', or 'thingamajig' can be a helpful strategy to continue the conversation without drawing attention to the fact that you've forgotten the exact term.

Why should vague language be avoided in certain situations like legal documents?

Vague language should be avoided in legal documents because it can lead to ambiguity and misunderstandings. Legal documents require precision and clarity to ensure that the terms and conditions are unambiguous and enforceable.

How can vague language be used to refer to people when you've forgotten their names?

Vague language such as 'whatsisname' or 'whatsername' can be used informally and among friends to refer to someone whose name you've forgotten. However, it's important to use these terms with caution and not directly to someone's face as it can be considered impolite.

What are some ways to use vague language when discussing plans or making arrangements?

When discussing plans or making arrangements, vague language can be used by suggesting times like 'around four o'clock' instead of specifying an exact time, or by using phrases like 'Could do' to indicate flexibility rather than a firm commitment.

How does the script suggest using vague language to avoid giving every detail in a conversation?

The script suggests using vague language to avoid giving every detail by using expressions that generalize or summarize information, such as 'buy some stuff' instead of listing every item, or 'a few old friends' instead of specifying the exact number of friends.