In this new episode of Your Spanish Journey I'll talk about the benefitis of extensive reading when it comes to learning a foreign language, and I'll read a short story by the Argentinian psychologist and writer Jorge Bucay. Relax and enjoy!

Your Spanish Journey

Extensive reading: short stories to enjoy. 

1. Guru The word guru as used in English is used in the same sense as Sanskrit and refers to a person who is regarded as a teacher, guide, expert or master.

2. Juggernaut The word juggernaut, which means an overwhelming and unstoppable force, comes from the word “Jagannatha” which means ‘Lord of the World.’

3. Serpent The word serpent comes from the Sanskrit word “sarpa” meaning snake.

4. Avatar The word avatar comes from the Sanskrit word “avatara”, which means ‘descent’ and in Hinduism, the word refers to the manifestation or incarnation of a deity.

5. Loot The word loot as used in English comes from the Sanskrit word “lunth” which means ‘to rob’. It is used both as a verb and as a noun in English, with the noun referring to goods that have been stolen.

6. Punch While the word punch can refer to hitting someone with the fist, punch is also a drink that is made from wine or spirits and mixed with fruits and spices. This word comes from the Sanskrit word “pancha” which means ‘five’, as a traditional punch drink was made using five ingredients.

7. Pundit In modern English usage, the word pundit is used to refer to a person who is highly skilled or an expert in a particular field. It comes from the Sanskrit word “pandit”, which means ‘learned’ or ‘skilled’ as well as a ‘learned man’.

8. Mantra In English, the word mantra is used to refer to a slogan or a statement that is used often. It comes from the Sanskrit word “mantra” which means a hymn or a chant.

9. Jungle The word jungle, as used to mean forest or wilderness comes from the Sanskrit word “jangala” which means an arid or an uncultivated piece of land.

10. Thug Thug is an adjective usually used for a man who is violent or a bully. It has got its origin in Hindi “Thag” meaning “swindler” that has come from the Sanskrit word “sthagati”.

11. Singapore The English language name Singapore comes from its Malay name Singapura, which is believed to have been derived from Sanskrit meaning "Lion City".

Learn Fluent English with Professor Ashish

English Words Originated from Sanskrit

10 Best Tourist Places in Varanasi

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple – One of the oldest temples in India

Located about 5.3 km from Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the holiest and oldest temples in the country. This glorious temple invites devotees of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva.

2. Assi Ghat – To seek spirituality

This is another popular destination on the list of tourist destinations in Varanasi that you must visit. This beautiful ghat (river bank) offers you a peaceful experience if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

3. Chunar Fort – A popular historical attraction

This is a popular attraction for history lovers. Located about 32 km from Varanasi, the Chunar Fort has played an important role in shaping the country’s history.

4. Dasaswamedh Ghat – The most exciting and vibrant ghat

If you’re travelling to Varanasi to experience divine bliss, then a visit to Dasaswamedh Ghat has to be on your itinerary. Here, you can witness spectacular Aartis conducted all along the river Ganga. Experience the magic at sunset when the entire ghat is illuminated with earthen lamps to begin the holy rituals.

5. Ramnagar Fort & Museum – A spectacular historical monument

Varanasi has a lot of historical and holy tourist places that make it a popular destination to visit in India.

6. Alamgir Mosque – An exquisite shrine

It's an important Mosque for the Muslim Community. 

7. Godowlia Market – An exciting shopping experience

You must make a trip to the favourite Godowlia Market, a popular stop for shopaholics.

8. Man Mandir Observatory – For science enthusiasts

If you’re visiting the Man Mandir Ghat, then a visit to the Man Mandir observatory is a must.
 
9. The Banaras Silk Emporium – A shopping paradise for silk lovers

Varanasi is known throughout the country for producing Banarasi saris and fine silk.

10. Dhamek Stupa – The popular historical ruins

Hinduism has a place in Varanasi for sure, but so does Buddhism.

10 Best Places to Visit in Varanasi, India

1. Cows are sacred - Cows are protected by their own set of rules in the Constitution, making killing a cow a crime. Even on crowded city streets, cows have the liberty to roam where they please without fear of being harassed by humans.

2. India has over 300,000 mosques and over 2 million Hindu temples - About 15% of India’s population is Muslim. The mosques across the country range from small village buildings to immense famous ones, like the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad or the Jama Masjid in New Delhi. 
The same can be said about India’s Hindu temples, which surpass two million to serve the 79.8% of India’s Hindu population. Just the holy city of Varanasi has over 23,000 temples. It is safe to say India is the land of temples!

3. Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world - With documents dating back as early as 5,500 BCE, Hinduism is considered the oldest religion in the world. There is not a known founder of Hinduism, and no one cares to know who started Hinduism since Hinduism is a way of life. Currently, Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, serving more than 1 billion people. 

4. India has 22 recognized languages - The numerous languages spoken across India include Santali, Kashmiri, Bengali, Tamil, and Urdu. However, the official languages are English and Hindi.
India also has the world’s second-largest population of English speakers (first is the United States), since most Indians speak their own regional language as well as English for easier communication.
Sanskrit is considered the oldest language in the world, the “mother of all languages.” Every Hindu book is written in Sanskrit

5. India has the highest population of vegetarians - “Indian food” has become one of the most widespread cuisines in the world. It’s estimated that between 15% and 30% of India’s population follow a strict vegetarian diet, while many others will only consume fish and no land animals.

5 Fun and Interesting Facts About India That Might Surprise You

8 important Modal Verbs are - 

Can
Could
May
Might
Should
Must
Will
Would


Introduction to Modal Verbs

Two factors always play the key role in Salary Negotiation - 

A) Always know what you deserve and how to negotiate.
B) Know the Perks.

Best Salary Negotiation Skills

Always remember 5 most important things: - 

1) Your name, city & country
2) Age
3) Current job and Work Experience
4) Education Qualifications 
and last but not least, 

5) Your hobbies