For those of you who are wondering, 'etymology' means the history and origin of words. For example, the word 'courage' comes from the French word 'cor', which means 'heart'. This means that to be courageous is to act from your heart. 
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As you can see, by learning etymology, we can deepen our understanding of the meaning of words and their cultural contexts. This will help you to improve your English vocabulary, speaking and comprehension and sound more like a native speaker. 
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In today's lesson, we learn the etymology of the following ten words:
etymology 0:30
serendipity 1:05
quixotic 1:31
pandemonium 1:55
chutzpah 2:24
kangaroo 2:43
typhoon 3:12
mistletoe 3:34
doppelganger 4:02
bungalow 4:24
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English on the Road 

Top 10 Interesting Etymologies 

This episode of English on the Road is all about Indonesia. Indonesia is one of my favourite countries, and I am excited to be talking about it. Whether it be the stunning landscapes, the diverse biology or the spiritual culture - Indonesia is wonderful. 
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English on the Road is an English podcast for English learners! I try to speak slowly and if there is a difficult word or phrase, I will spell it and explain what it means. Each episode of this podcast is about travel, nature or geography. 
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Listening to podcasts in English is a great way to improve. Whether you are an intermediate learner, advanced, or just preparing for a test, listening is an amazingly convenient and fun way to improve. 
-
I hope you enjoy this episode of English on the Road. In the future, I am planning to have guests on the show. These guests may be language teachers, students or travellers. If you are interested in being on the show, please send me a message and we can discuss it. 
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Interesting Facts About Indonesia

In this episode 10 of English on the road, we discuss an article on which countries can claim to be the oldest in the world. I hope this podcast allows you to practice your English listening and comprehension.

The podcast begins with some vocabulary which is important to the topic, then we read the article and answer some discussion questions. 

The article is from a website called engoo which has many free English learning materials. I highly recommend checking this out if you want to study English independently or with a tutor. 

Thank you for listening and I hope you have a great day!

Which Countries can Claim to be the Oldest in the World?

In this podcast, we talk about the following ten words:
Souvenir: Derived from the French word "souvenir," meaning "to remember," this word entered English in the late 18th century. It refers to an object or memento that serves as a reminder of a person, place, or event.

Rendezvous: Originating from the French phrase "rendez-vous," which means "meeting" or "appointment," this word entered English in the 16th century. 

Cuisine: Borrowed directly from French, "cuisine" refers to a style or method of cooking, often associated with a particular culture or region. It encompasses the preparation and presentation of food.

Fiancé/Fiancée: These terms come from the French words "fiancé" (masculine) and "fiancée" (feminine), both meaning "engaged." They are used to describe a person who is engaged to be married.

Déjà vu: This widely recognized phrase comes from French, where it literally means "already seen." It refers to the feeling or sensation that one has experienced the present situation before, even though it is new.

Encore: Borrowed from French, "encore" means "again" or "once more." It is often used in the context of a performance to request an additional or repeated act from the performer.

Lingerie: Derived from the French word "lingerie," this term refers to women's underwear and intimate apparel. It encompasses a range of garments, including bras, panties, nightgowns, and robes.

Décor: Also borrowed from French, "décor" denotes the overall style, arrangement, and aesthetics of a space or setting. It refers to the decorative elements used to enhance the ambiance or atmosphere.

Croissant: This word, of French origin, describes a flaky and crescent-shaped pastry. It has become popular worldwide and is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack item.

Ballet: Originating from French, "ballet" refers to a highly expressive and intricate form of dance. It combines precise movements, graceful gestures, and storytelling to create a visual spectacle.


Top Ten English Words with French Origins

This episode of English on the Road is all about New Zealand. New Zealand is one of my favourite countries, and I am excited to be talking about it. Whether it be the stunning landscapes, the diverse biology or the Maori culture - New Zealand is wonderful.
-
English on the Road is an English podcast for English learners! I try to speak slowly and if there is a difficult word or phrase, I will spell it and explain what it means. Each episode of this podcast is about travel, nature or geography.
-
Listening to podcasts in English is a great way to improve. Whether you are an intermediate learner, advanced, or just preparing for a test, listening is an amazingly convenient and fun way to improve.
-
I hope you enjoy this episode of English on the Road. In the future, I am planning to have guests on the show. These guests may be language teachers, students or travellers. If you are interested in being on the show, please send me a message and we can discuss it.

Talking About New Zealand

Did you know that ancient Greece had a huge influence on modern thought? Well, here are ten words which come from that time and culture. 
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Chaos: Derived from the Greek word "khaos," meaning "abyss" or "emptiness," chaos refers to a state of disorder or confusion.

Democracy: Rooted in the Greek words "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power), democracy embodies the concept of government by the people.

Philosophy: Stemming from the Greek words "philos" (love) and "sophia" (wisdom), philosophy encompasses the pursuit of knowledge and the exploration of fundamental questions about life and existence.

Marathon: Inspired by the Greek city of Marathon, this word signifies a long-distance race that originated from the historical Battle of Marathon.

Eureka: Popularized by the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes, "eureka" expresses the exhilaration of discovery or a sudden realization.

Drama: Derived from the Greek word "drama," meaning "action" or "deed," drama refers to a form of literature or performance that portrays characters and conflicts.

Acropolis: Originating from the Greek words "akros" (highest) and "polis" (city), the acropolis refers to a fortified hilltop or citadel, often hosting temples or important structures.

Phobia: Rooted in the Greek word "phobos" (fear), phobia is used to describe an irrational or excessive fear of specific objects, situations, or concepts.

Ethos: Derived from the Greek word "ethos" (character), ethos represents the fundamental values, beliefs, and guiding principles of an individual, group, or society.

Hypnosis: Stemming from the Greek word "hypnos" (sleep), hypnosis is a state of altered consciousness characterized by increased suggestibility and relaxation.