Another Way to Say
Kate
MikeGoal
The "Another Way to Say" activity is a cooperative guessing game. Learners take turns stating common expressions, and the other team guesses their meanings. After guessing, the team can suggest another way to express the same idea. This game promotes collaborative learning and encourages exploration of various ways to convey common phrases and idioms.
Materials
Instructions
Introduction: Start by explaining the purpose of the activity
To explore synonyms (words that mean the same thing) and different ways to express common phrases and expressions/idioms (groups of words that have a special meaning when they are used together) while working together.
Mention that this exercise will help learners appreciate the richness of language and enhance their communication skills, and also to explore how easy it is to miscommunicate.
Form Teams: Divide the learners into two teams. Each team will take turns presenting expressions and guessing their meanings.
Select a Starting Team: Choose one of the teams to begin the game.
Option A: This team should state a common slang word, expression or idiom. For example, "raining cats and dogs." A list of examples is provided in Appendix A if the team needs ideas.
Option B: Invite the team to share an idiom/expression or slang word of their choice, perhaps one that is regionally or culturally based.
Guess the Meaning: The other team takes a moment to discuss and guess the meaning of the expression. They can work together to come up with an explanation. After their guess, the presenting team reveals the correct meaning of the expression.
Provide Another Way to Say It: After guessing the meaning, either team can suggest an alternate way to say the same thing. For instance, if the starting expression was "raining cats and dogs," they might suggest "pouring rain” or “pouring buckets”.
Option: Invite learners who speak another language to share an idioms/expressions from that language that relate.
Switch Roles: Rotate roles, allowing the other team to present an expression for the opposing team to guess. Continue alternating turns.
Wrap up & Debrief: Finish the activity and facilitate a debrief discussion with the learners.
Background
Preparation
Prepare a list of common expressions, idioms, and phrases for the game. See Appendix A for examples.
You can also prepare a list of regional slang terms and idioms for the discussion on language variations and to provide prompts and ideas to the learners.
Technology Considerations
For virtual deliveries, ensure that learners have access to a video conferencing platform for the game and discussion. Make sure they are comfortable with the technology and know how to share their thoughts and phrases. Use break out rooms if the group is large enough and would benefit from smaller discussion groups and teams.
Additional Context
Language is a diverse and ever-evolving aspect of culture. This activity helps learners recognize the richness and variety of language.
It encourages them to appreciate how people from different regions may have unique ways of expressing the same idea.
It's a fun way to explore language diversity and learn from one another.
It is also an opportunity to explore how easily miscommunication can happen, particularly when using expressions and slang that may not be familiar to everyone. Emphasis is on ensuring 2-way communication by verifying that the listener understands what was said.
Tips for Localization
To localize the activity, consider incorporating regional phrases or idioms specific to the learners' areas. This will make the exercise more relatable and meaningful. Encourage learners to share their regional expressions and discuss their origins and meanings.
Consider inviting learners who speak another language to share common expressions or idioms from their language. This can be a valuable opportunity to celebrate linguistic diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding.
Encourage participants to explain the meanings and contexts of these expressions to foster richer communication in a multicultural setting.
This can also highlight the importance of effective communication, especially when idiomatic expressions may not translate directly.
See if there are any links that can be made between expressions/idioms in the English language that are similar to ones in the languages participants speak, or that are distinct.
Debrief Questions
How did you find the process of guessing the meanings of expressions and suggesting alternative ways to say the same thing? Did you find it challenging or easy to guess the meanings of some expressions? What made it difficult or easy?
How did it feel when someone used an expression you didn't understand? How did you handle it?
In what ways did the game highlight the potential for misunderstandings in communication when idiomatic expressions are used?
Have you ever felt "in the dark" or out of the loop when someone used expressions or words you weren't familiar with? What’s that experience like?
What were some unique regional phrases or idioms that you discovered during the second part of the activity?
How can this kind of activity help us ensure our communication is clear and 2-way communication?
Appendix A
General list of Common Idioms/Expressions in English
Tip of the iceberg
Skating/Walking on thin ice
Ice in your veins
Break the ice
Break a leg
A piece of cake
The ball is in your court
Beat around the bush
Let the cat out of the bag
Hit the nail on the head
A dime a dozen
All ears
Barking up the wrong tree
Cost an arm and a leg
Don't cry over spilled milk
In the dark
Don't put all your eggs in one basket
Jump on the bandwagon
Kick the bucket
Costs an arm and a leg
Miss the boat
Speak of the devil
Under the weather
A penny for your thoughts
A taste of your own medicine
Piece of the pie
Pull someone's leg
A shot in the dark
A picture is worth a thousand words
Steal someone's thunder
The ball is in your court
The elephant in the room
You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs
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