Day 29: Circumlocution & Repair Strategies
When you don't know a word
Keep speaking even when you lack specific vocabulary.
Objectives
- Explain around an unknown word
- Ask for the word you need
Vocabulary
Tap play to hear pronunciation (browser speech engine).
Kako se kaže… na hrvatskom?
How do you say… in Croatian?
Ne sjećam se riječi
I don't remember the word
To je nešto što se koristi za…
It is something used for…
Možete li mi pomoći s riječju?
Can you help me with the word?
| Target | Meaning | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kako se kaže… na hrvatskom? | How do you say… in Croatian? | ||
| Ne sjećam se riječi | I don't remember the word | ||
| To je nešto što se koristi za… | It is something used for… | ||
| Možete li mi pomoći s riječju? | Can you help me with the word? |
Patterns
Circumlocution
Talking around unknown words
- To je nešto što se jede ujutro.
- Kako se kaže refrigerator na hrvatskom?
Speaking Practice
Record yourself, listen back, and download anything worth keeping.
Explain without the word
Explain refrigerator without the Croatian word.
Ask how to say a word you pretend not to know.
Repair turn (record this)
Ne sjećam se riječi. To je nešto u kuhinji. Kako se kaže na hrvatskom?
Writing Practice
- Write 4 circumlocution examples for common objects.
Scenario: You forgot a word
Keep the conversation alive
You: Ne sjećam se riječi. To je nešto…
Them: Hladnjak?
You: Da! Hvala.
Immersion Tasks
- Practice explaining 5 common objects without using their names
Self-Check
- Can you keep speaking when you lack a specific word?