Use Circumlocution to Improve Comprehension in Spanish Class

January 9, 2025 No Comments
Use Circumlocution to Improve Comprehension in Spanish Class lasecundaria.org

What Is Circumlocution?

Circumlocution is the ability to describe a concept or object when you don’t know its exact word. It’s like playing a game of verbal charades, where you give clues to help someone understand what you mean without using the specific term. For example, if you forget the word for “pineapple,” you might say, “It’s a yellow tropical fruit with a spiky green top.” This skill is incredibly valuable in the target language, as it enables students to communicate effectively, even when their vocabulary is limited.

How Is Circumlocution Helpful for Students?

  1. Boosts Communication Confidence: When students know they can rely on circumlocution to express themselves, they feel less pressure to have a perfect vocabulary. This fosters confidence and encourages them to speak more freely in the Spanish classroom or any world languages setting.
  2. Enhances Vocabulary Acquisition: As students describe a vocabulary word they don’t know, they often discover synonyms, related terms, or entirely new vocabulary. This helps deepen their linguistic understanding of the Spanish language and beyond.
  3. Improves Critical Thinking: Circumlocution requires students to think creatively and problem-solve as they describe a word or concept. This strengthens their overall cognitive abilities.
  4. Supports Real-World Application: In real-life situations, Spanish students often encounter gaps in their vocabulary. Circumlocution provides a practical tool for navigating these moments and maintaining conversations without needing an English translation.

How Can I Use Circumlocution Daily to Improve Teaching?

  1. Model It: Regularly demonstrate circumlocution during lessons. For instance, when introducing new vocabulary, describe the word without saying it, and let students guess what it is. This shows them how to use the art of circumlocution naturally.
  2. Encourage Its Use: When students ask “Cómo se dice…?” or for translations, prompt them to describe the correct word they’re looking for instead of giving them the answer outright. For example, ask, “Can you describe it?” or “What does it look or feel like?”
  3. Incorporate It into Speaking Activities: Use circumlocution practice as part of daily speaking exercises. Pair students up and have them take turns describing vocab words or concepts without using the exact term, while their partner guesses.
  4. Highlight Circumlocution’s Benefits: Regularly remind students that it’s okay not to know every word. Emphasize that circumlocution is a valuable communication tool rather than a fallback for “not knowing enough.” Teachers of all languages can benefit from incorporating this mindset.

What Are Some Ways to Make It a Game?

  1. Vocabulary Guessing Game: Write vocab words on cards, and have students take turns describing the word without saying it while their classmates guess. This can be adapted for middle school or high school students by adjusting the difficulty level.
  2. Taboo: Create a list of “forbidden” words students cannot say while describing a target vocabulary word. For example, if the word is “hairbrush,” they might not be able to say “hair” or “brush.” This adds an extra challenge and boosts creativity.
  3. 20 Questions: One student thinks of an object, person, or concept, and the rest of the class asks yes/no questions to figure out what it is. The person answering must use circumlocution skills when responding.
  4. Circumlocution Relay: Divide the class into teams. One member from each team describes a word to their team without saying it. The team must guess as many words as possible within a set time limit. Rotate describers to give everyone a chance to practice circumlocution phrases.
  5. Pictionary with Words: Instead of drawing, students describe the word aloud while their teammates guess. This twist on the classic Spanish game reinforces verbal circumlocution skills.

Annabelle Williamson: a.k.a. La Maestra Loca, uses innovative approaches to engaging Spanish students often incorporate circumlocution games. Check out this video of circumlocution in action. 

Want to read more about circumlocution?

Circumlocution is a powerful skill that helps students of all ages communicate effectively, even when their vocabulary is limited. By modeling it, encouraging its daily use, and incorporating fun circumlocution games into your lessons, you can make circumlocution a natural and enjoyable part of your language classroom. Not only will your students improve their speaking confidence, but they’ll also become more resourceful and creative communicators—a win-win for learning the target language and mastering new vocabulary.

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