Empowering Communication Skills using Circumlocution

Have you ever noticed how our students can sometimes hit a roadblock right in the middle of their communicative journey? It's that frustrating moment when they have a word right on the tip of their tongue but just can't seem to recall it, and they refuse to let it go. We've all been there at some point, experiencing how this word gap can disrupt the smooth flow of communication.

The consequences of such disruptions go beyond just hindering the conveyance of the intended message. They can also profoundly impact our students' confidence and trust in their language abilities. As educators, we must ensure that we equip our students with the necessary techniques to overcome these obstacles and maintain a seamless flow of communication.

While expanding vocabulary would be the ideal solution to having communication gaps in our repertoire, it naturally takes time to acquire all the pieces needed in all situations. 

But there's something we can do right now to empower our students: introduce them to the powerful technique of circumlocution. By giving them the tools to navigate around those word gaps effectively, we not only reignite their confidence in speaking the target language but also make the learning process more enjoyable and engaging, which is crucial for them to continue progressing on their journey toward language proficiency while feeling empowered and motivated along the way.

What is Circumlocution? 

Circumlocution involves describing or paraphrasing a word or concept when the precise term is unknown or temporarily forgotten.

Instead of getting stuck on the missing word, learners use alternative words, provide examples, or offer contextual clues to convey their intended meaning effectively.

Here are a few examples to illustrate how circumlocution works:

1. Imagine a learner who wants to express the word "giraffe" but can't recall the exact term. They can use circumlocution by saying, "It's a tall animal with a long neck, spots on its body, and it eats leaves from trees."

2. If learners forget the word "umbrella," they can use circumlocution by saying, "It's an object you use to protect yourself from rain or sun. It has a canopy that opens and closes, and you hold it above your head."

3. When struggling to remember the word "volcano," a learner can employ circumlocution and describe it as "It's a mountain that sometimes erupts with fire and lava. It releases smoke and ash into the sky."

Having a dedicated wall for circumlocution in your world language class is an excellent idea. It serves as a visual reminder and a valuable resource for your students. However, ensuring that you have introduced and practiced circumlocution with your students is crucial. This way, they will know the technique and where to seek assistance when needed. In my classroom, I have implemented a circumlocution wall like the picture below. It’s a pretty comprehensive one. You can go with fewer words if you want to. 

I also created it as a Chat Mat and placed it on all tables so the students can access it in any speaking task. 

This can be an excellent resource for traveling teachers who don’t have a fixed classroom or teachers with small classrooms and no walls where they could put up their displays. 

By utilizing circumlocution, learners can effectively communicate their intended message even when they encounter temporary word gaps. It encourages them to think creatively, use descriptive language, and make connections to convey meaning accurately. Over time, consistent circumlocution practice enhances both their vocabulary and ability to express themselves in the target language.

Activities to Practice Circumlocution

These are just some ideas I have used in my classroom, but the possibilities are endless. 

1. Word Guessing Game: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. One student selects a word from a vocabulary list or a set of flashcards without revealing it to their partner(s). They then use circumlocution techniques to describe the word without using the actual term while their partner(s) try to guess the word based on the clues provided. This activity encourages students to think creatively and practice expressing ideas indirectly.

2. Picture Description: Provide students with a set of images or photographs. They must describe the content of the pictures to a partner or the whole class using circumlocution. Encourage them to focus on details, colors, shapes, and actions depicted in the images while avoiding direct labeling. This activity enhances descriptive skills and encourages students to use contextual clues effectively.

3. Situational Role-Play: Create real-life scenarios where students must use circumlocution to convey specific messages or requests. For example, simulate a travel agency situation where one student acts as a customer looking for a particular destination, and the other student acts as a travel agent who must understand and provide suitable options based on the circumlocution clues given. This activity enhances problem-solving skills and encourages students to think on their feet.

4. Storytelling with Circumlocution: Have students work in pairs or small groups to create a collaborative story. Each student takes turns adding a sentence to the story, but they must use circumlocution to describe the characters, settings, and events instead of using specific names or terms. This activity encourages creativity, cooperation, and the ability to provide vivid descriptions.

5. Vocabulary Taboo: Select a set of target vocabulary words and write them on separate cards. One student tries to describe the word to their partner(s) without using any taboo words on the card. The partner(s) must guess the word based on the circumlocution clues provided. This activity challenges students to find alternative ways to express themselves and expands their vocabulary.

These activities provide dynamic and interactive opportunities for students to practice circumlocution in a supportive learning environment. By engaging in these exercises, students will gradually become more confident, proficient, and effective in expressing themselves, even when encountering word gaps. 

Have you incorporated any of these activities in your classroom? If not, here's a helpful worksheet you can use to engage your students in practicing circumlocution. Even for familiar words like "pizza," encourage them to describe the images using circumlocution to enhance their communication skills. The beauty of these activities lies in their versatility. Here are a few ideas on how to implement them:

1. Pair Guessing Game: Put the students in pairs. One student describes an object while the other guesses the corresponding number. This activity fosters collaboration and attentive listening skills.

2. Image Distribution: Cut out the images and distribute them among your students. They stand up and describe their objects to classmates, aiming to find others with the same thing. This promotes movement, interaction, and effective circumlocution.

3. Group Challenge: Divide the class into two groups. Select one representative from each group to describe all the objects to their respective teams. The first group to finish describing all the images wins. This encourages teamwork and quick thinking.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started if you haven’t used it yet. But if you have, I would love to hear how you utilize circumlocution in your teaching practice! 

Feel free to share your experiences and insights in the comments below. As dedicated educators, we can learn a lot from each other's innovative approaches.