SPEAKER_02 0:06

Hello and welcome back to your English Five a Day on the English Like a Native podcast. This is your daily dunk into the English language so that over time, as you maintain this habit, you will build your English vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and start to feel more confident when using the language. My name is Anna, and today is week ten, day two of our story following Gabriel, who is journeying across the UK. Now yesterday Gabriel arrived in Bristol and surprised Sophie with his improved pronunciation. All thanks to taking the English like a native pronunciation course, of course. Today the pair head out of the city to visit one of the most famous landmarks in the UK, a place that has fascinated historians, scientists, and visitors for centuries. As always, supporting materials for this season are available over at www.joineelan.com forward slash plus. Let's now begin with a snapshot. At Stonehenge, Sophie explains that the giant stones are called megaliths and that the site dates back to the Neolithic period. She points out a single standing stone known as a monolith, while also explaining that the entire structure is a type of henge, possibly used for ceremonial purposes. Oh, lots of technical language today. Well don't worry, because I'm going to break down the vocabulary right now. First the word monolith. We spell this M-O-N-O L I T H monolith. This is a single large upright stone, a monolith. For example, the heel stone is a famous monolith at Stonehenge. Next we have megalith spelled M E G A L I T H. This is a very large stone used in prehistoric monuments. For example, the monument is made up of several megaliths. Next we have Neolithic Neolithic. We spell this Ne O L I T H I C Neolithic. This is relating to the later Stone Age period. For example, Stonehenge was built during the Neolithic era. Next we have henge henge. We spell this H E N G E. Henge is a prehistoric circular monument made of banks and ditches. For example, Stonehenge is one of the most famous henges in the world. And finally, ceremonial ceremonial C E R E M O N I A L. Ceremonial means relating to rituals or formal events. For example, the site may have been used for ceremonial gatherings. Wonderful. I'm hoping, and I imagine, that at least one of today's words is new to you. Either way, listen out for them all as they appear very naturally in today's story. The day after Gabriel's arrival in Bristol, he and Sophie set off for the remarkable Neolithic monument at Stonehenge. Sophie is driving her parents' practical hatchback. It must be strange for you driving on the left side of the road.

SPEAKER_01 4:45

You'd think so, but remember that I actually drove when I went to Ben Nevis.

SPEAKER_02 4:51

Hey, how do you know I've been reading your blog?

SPEAKER_01 4:56

Oh, so so. You put so many emojis in the comments that I didn't have a clue what they meant.

SPEAKER_02 5:03

Ah yes. So you left Isla in Glasgow then?

SPEAKER_01 5:12

Well, so so. Another way to look at it is that I just passed through her life up there.

SPEAKER_02 5:20

Now it was Sophie's turn to not have a clue what he meant. She wondered how French people could be so philosophical. She just said Do you mind calling me Sophie in the UK? It's just that so so isn't a very complimentary word in English.

SPEAKER_01 5:40

Really? I didn't realise. What does it mean?

SPEAKER_02 5:44

Um it means nothing special.

SPEAKER_01 5:48

Oh no. Then it is not a good name for you.

SPEAKER_02 5:52

At Stonehenge, Sophie reads from the Site Guide app that the large upright stones are technically called megaliths. And henge has a very specific meaning. A prehistoric circular monument made with banks and ditches.

SPEAKER_01 6:10

And what about that stone standing on its own over there?

SPEAKER_02 6:14

That, Gabe, is a monolith. It's called the heel stone. Might have been a significant marker for ceremonies.

SPEAKER_01 6:25

Ceremonies?

SPEAKER_02 6:27

Yes. One theory is that Stonehenge was a ceremonial site. Or even an ancient calendar.

SPEAKER_01 6:35

A calendar? Made of stones.

SPEAKER_02 6:38

Yes. The stones align with the sunrise at summer solstice. And sunset at winter solstice.

SPEAKER_01 6:47

Unbelievable. Let's get closer.

SPEAKER_02 6:50

Sorry, you can only go into the circle on special days.

SPEAKER_01 6:55

Well, Sophie, let me take a photo of you next to the heel stone with the henge in the background.

SPEAKER_02 7:02

Why there?

SPEAKER_01 7:04

Because it is something special.

SPEAKER_02 7:10

Alright, let's pause there and recap our target vocabulary. I will say each item twice, giving you a moment to repeat out loud after me, and then I will remind you of the definition. Here goes, repeat after me. Monolith Monolith. This is a large single upright stone. Next, repeat after me megalith Megalith. This is a very large stone used in prehistoric monuments. Next Neolithic Neolithic. This means relating to the later Stone Age period. Next, henge. This is a prehistoric circular monument made of banks and ditches. And finally, ceremonial. Ceremonial. This means relating to rituals or formal events. Wonderful. Now Gabriel and Sophie have stepped back in time, exploring one of Britain's most mysterious ancient sites. But tomorrow they move from ancient history to something much more modern and perhaps a little unexpected. Tomorrow they visit a grand stately home with sweeping lawns, serpentine lakes, and even a hedge maze where something doesn't quite go to plan. That's all from me for today. As always, if you do enjoy this podcast, I would greatly appreciate if you take just a second to leave a like if you're watching on YouTube, or a rating or a view on your usual streaming platform. I do hope you'll come back again tomorrow. Until then, take care and goodbye.