Understanding Implicit Meaning and Speaker Attitude (B2 Level)

At the B2 level, language comprehension goes beyond understanding the literal words spoken or written. It involves interpreting what is implied but not explicitly stated, and recognizing the speaker's or writer's attitude, opinions, or feelings.

What does this involve?

1. Reading Between the Lines: Understanding information that is suggested or hinted at, rather than directly stated.

• Example: If someone says, "Het is hier wel een beetje frisjes, vind je niet?" (It's a bit chilly here, don't you think?), the implicit meaning might be a request to close a window or turn up the heating.
• Example: An article might present facts in a way that subtly suggests a particular viewpoint without explicitly stating "I think...".

1. Recognizing Speaker/Writer Attitude: Identifying the speaker's or writer's feelings or stance towards the topic, which can be conveyed through:

• Tone of Voice (Speaking): Sarcasm, enthusiasm, doubt, irritation, etc., are often conveyed through intonation, stress, and speed.
• Word Choice (Diction): Using positive, negative, or neutral words reveals attitude (e.g., een uitdaging vs. een probleem, slank vs. mager). Formal vs. informal language also plays a role.
• Modal Verbs and Adverbs: Words like misschien, waarschijnlijk, zeker, helaas, gelukkig, zou kunnen, moet wel can indicate doubt, certainty, regret, happiness, etc.
• Figurative Language: Idioms, metaphors, and irony often convey attitude.
• Sentence Structure: Short, sharp sentences might indicate anger or urgency, while complex sentences might suggest formality or careful consideration.
• Emphasis: Which words are stressed can highlight the speaker's focus or opinion.

1. Understanding Nuance: Recognizing subtle differences in meaning between similar words or expressions (e.g., vragen vs. verzoeken, kijken vs. staren).

1. Inferring Context and Relationships: Using clues in the language and situation to understand the relationship between speakers or the underlying context of a conversation or text.

Why is this important at B2?

• Effective Communication: Misinterpreting attitude or implicit meaning can lead to misunderstandings.
• Social Interaction: Understanding social cues and politeness levels conveyed implicitly.
• Media Comprehension: Following debates, discussions, news reports, and understanding viewpoints expressed in articles or reviews.
• Reading Literature: Appreciating character voice, subtext, and irony.

How to Improve:

• Active Listening/Reading: Pay attention not just to what is said, but how it's said.
• Exposure: Listen to varied authentic materials (podcasts, interviews, films, conversations) and read different types of texts (news, opinion pieces, fiction).
• Analyze Tone: Consciously think about the speaker's/writer's likely attitude. What clues suggest this?
• Discuss: Talk about interpretations with others (teachers, native speakers, fellow learners).
• Context Awareness: Always consider the situation, the speaker, and the audience.