Learning Australian English...?

Show all answers

fanta

try the web site below ok mate

Kella G

You'll just have to talk to more Aussies LOL.

There are no rules governing Australian colloquialisms - some of us DO say "beaten up". The way we speak and the terminology we use mostlly depends on what part of Australia we're from. There are a lot of differences even between states - but we do understand each other LOL.

This site has quite a good list to get you started :=)
http://www.travel-library.com/pacific/australia/stybr-language.html

tentofield

Watch Australian films and TV programs, read Australian books, talk to Australians. That is the only way to learn idioms in any society. It is worthwhile learning the local words for familiar items as that will avoid ambiguity but Australians have seen enough American and British TV and movies not to be bothered when the wrong word is used. You will, for instance, quickly learn that your car has a bonnet and a boot and you put petrol in it rather than your automobile has a hood and a trunk and takes gas.

Don't worry, take your time and you will soon be using all the right words correctly.

azza

I say "g'day" to most people I meet, especially if they're male. I know heaps of people who do the same thing.

Fact is, it's really hard to learn "Australian" unless you spend a long time here because there are SO MANY people using SO MANY different slang and or regional dialects.

I guess the best way to learn it is to watch heaps of Australian TV shows like All Saints, Home & Away etc. (Except these shows usually suck so you'll have to deal with that as well.) But they're a good introduction to Australian English. Do remember, however, that these shows are often shown in England and New Zealand as well, so they arent a 100% realistic representation of Australian English, but, aside from being here for a long time, and talking to the locals and getting used to the way we speak, it's the best you will be able to do.

For the most part, however, if you're not from Australia, you dont need to learn it. Most Australians will try and talk in terms that you can understand and are more than willing to explain anything you dont understand.

Most foreigners should refrain from using Australian English when in Australia, because it sounds pretty hilarious to us.

eternalabyss

umm well there are so many differences, and a lot of them we don't even notice (until someone from outside points it out), but to start u off -these are stuff friends have told me anyway:
-we say petrol for gas (gasoline)
-a period (the dot at the end of sentences) we call a full stop
-as for grammar diff., instead of 'or' we write 'our' so flavor is flavour, etc...
-we say no worries a lot
-capsicums to us are bell peppers to americans, mobile phone=cellphone, chemist/pharmacist=drugstore
-Macca's for Mcdonalds!!! yeah hahah lol

there are heaps of differences, too many to write down, but don't worry aussies will still understand u!

backer

A good question. The answer is, as with any language it takes time. Fair dinkum! I left Britain a number of years ago and it took a long time for me to understand some of what they were talking about. You're Bloody right about unique words, (although I believe "Bloody" is a Pommie word) The rest of it is mainly a combination of a type of rhyming slang.

But, fair suck of the Sav, Mate, are you trying to come the raw Prawn with me? 'Yous' must know that 'girls dance backwards' 'the Pope's a bloody cattletick' etc.
The further out of the Cities ones goes the truer are the people.
Yes, I am living in a community where people say G'day to most that they pass. No there are no Kangers hopping down the streets here, however. I've seen that at Sussex Inlet NSW
Enjoy your journey.

John O'Gradys book on Aussie English may assist. It has 30 odd definitions for the word BASTARD.

sal_411

You just have to talk to more Australians! That's the only way to do it really. Not everyone in Australia uses the same slang and sayings - some go in and out of fashion, others are only regional. G'day is actually a mainstream thing - for instance, I as a woman don't ever say it but it's extremely common for males to say it, especially to one another.

But Why??

Oh yeah. words like: Get Stuffed!!!
You wanker!!!
Pillow biter.
Shirt lifter.
Haaa, yeah ya learn em whilst on smoko (break).

Douglas A

It depends where in Australia you go, some say "G'day mate", some say "how ya going cobber"," bash" also means a "charity car rally"

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: