How to Learn Australian English

Australian English has many differences from its American equivalent.

Whenever the speakers of a language are separated by geography, the process of linguistic evolution becomes inevitable. Australia is no exception and Australian English now incorporates many terms that Australians consider to be exclusive to their country. Many such words had their origins in the dialects of the British and Irish convicts transported to the country between 1788 and 1868, while the origin of other words is less clear. BBC News notes that differences between Australian and American English can cause many problems and even offense, so it is important to recognize these distinctions.

Instructions

1. Consider the origins of English usage in Australia. Many of the words most commonly associated with Australian English are derived from the language being used by British and Irish convicts in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Words such as "outback," which means a "remote, sparsely-populated area," are common in Australia but are no longer used in the British Isles. The word ''bush'' is not the same as it is in North America and means "general country area" in Australia. ''G'day'' is the typical Australian greeting, but it no longer means the same as "good day" because it is never used as an expression for "farewell."

2. Recognize the words of Aboriginal origin. Because of its geographic isolation, the flora and fauna of Australia are largely unique. Therefore, words used to describe nature, such as "billabong" and "kangaroo" are ancient elements of Aboriginal languages that have been brought into Australian English. Few other Aboriginal words have infiltrated the modern language, however.

3. Become familiar with the terms used to describe people. For example, "sheila" is Australian slang for "woman." Australians also use unique terms to indicate a person's ethnicity, the place where the person resides, and the social status of the person. A "bludger" is someone who is lazy and a ''drongo'' is a fool.

4. Consider the words Australians use for holidays and seasons. The American term "fall" is never used to describe Australian "autumn." The word "holiday" in Australia means time away from work or school and recreational travel involving a stay away from home. An official government day off work is a "public holiday."

5. Recognize the importance of sports in Australian life. Team games such as cricket and rugby are the most popular in Australia and they have specific vocabulary to describe them. This is important for Americans because many sports-related phrases have gained broader meaning. For example, Australians can be "bowled over" (taken by surprise) and "hit for six" (completely defeated). Such phrases are common in everyday speech. When Australians "barrack" for a team, it means they cheer in support. The American term "root" is never used because in Australian English this word has a sexual connotation. The word "football" is used to describe several different kinds of football or the ball used to play any of them, although not the American game. In Australia, American football has a small following and is known as "gridiron."

6. Look at the way that Australians describe food and drink. Australian English is often closely related to British vocabulary; for example "biscuit" is used instead of "cookie." Australians also use the word "chips" where Americans say "french fries." However, Australian "chips" can also be potato chips. Australian English follows American for items such as zucchini and eggplant, however. Other differences between American and Australian food words are "capsicum" instead of "bell pepper" and "rockmelon" rather than "cantaloupe." Many coffee drinks have different names in Australian English. For example, a "flat white" is an espresso with milk, while a "long black" is similar to an "Americano" in the United States.

7. Consider the words Australians use to describe clothing. For instance, Americans use the word "sweater," whereas Australians call this item a "jumper." In Australia a sleeveless T-shirt is called a "singlet" and "sunglasses" are "sunnies."

8. Look at the way furniture and household appliances are named. Australians recognize the American term "closet" but use the English "cupboard" and "wardrobe" for furniture in which clothes are stored. Also, Australians use the word "tap" rather than "faucet" to describe a water outlet.

9. Look at the words used to describe vehicles. Pickup trucks are popular vehicles in Australia, although they are referred to as "utes," which is short for utility vehicle or utility truck. A four-wheel drive vehicle is called a "fourby" and the term SUV is not used. Unlike American English, "utes" and passenger four-wheel drive vehicles are usually referred to as "trucks" in Australia.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect Australians to understand American English because they have had a lot of exposure through movies and television shows.

References

• Koala Net - Australian Slang

Resources

• E.L. Easton: English around the World - Australia