Despite the fact that English is "world", there are many variations of it. It comes to the point that the native Briton cannot always understand another person living, for example, in Canada. For comfortable communication, such people need to know not only the features of pronunciation, but also unique phrases and expressions of another version of the English language.
The same is true for Australian English. And for those people who want to visit this unique country, it may be difficult to understand the locals without special clues.
History of Australian English
Australia was originally one of the English colonies. The indigenous population of the mainland was a few warring tribes at a low stage of development. Because of this, the colonialists identified English as the main language.
The first settlers were criminals, renegades and the poor, who sailed from their native England in search of a better life. The device of life in uncharted lands was more promising for them than at home.
Of course, scientists and doctors also moved to Australia, but the general population was illiterate. Their speech turned out to be simple and understandable, without "high" words and terms. With the change of generations, this feature was only consolidated.
Language features
In addition to the original simplicity of Australian English, it has the following features:
- Australians are more restrained and calm during a conversation. Their tone is lower than traditional English speech.
- Australian English has a more even manner of speaking. Unlike the English, they do not make a big difference in the accent of words, preferring the melody of sharpness.
- In conversations, the Australian often uses simple synonyms: mate instead of friend, chook, and not ordinary chicken.
- Australians prefer to abbreviate the words: chokkie instead of chocolate and arvo, replacing afternoon.
- In a conversation, Australians can swallow syllables and even change the pronunciation of words. If you don’t understand what your interlocutor is saying, then ask him to slow down, as the quality of English is seriously affected by the high rate of speech.
There are three accents in Australian English:
- General It is used by the majority of the population, about 60 percent. It is a mixture of traditional Australian speech and British.
- Broad It has the second name Strine. It is characterized by saturation and even some rude pronunciation. About 30 percent of the population uses it, but it is understandable.
- Cultivated. It is as similar as possible to ordinary British speech, so tourists will not have any problems understanding the local language.
In general, visitors will not have problems with the language if they know English. British, American or Canadian variation - not so important, Australian English will be understandable to everyone.
Vocabulary
American English had a great influence on the formation of this language . Australian pronunciation has changed significantly with the advent of the media and popular American books. Nevertheless, the vocabulary and spelling of the language practically does not differ from the traditional British.
The inconvenience can be caused by the unusual use of familiar vocabulary and phrases. For example, an Australian garbage truck will be a rubbish truck. Interestingly, in England the first word is used to designate it, and in America the second word.
Australian English can unpleasantly surprise you with a large number of unique words: bloke and tea mean not only brick and tea. Bloke is a man, and tea is an evening meal. And how can one not get confused?
Do you need to learn slang?
If you are planning a short cognitive trip to Australia, then you will not need to study slang words and expressions. Local will understand the traditional version of the English language. In no case will your vacation be complicated by misunderstandings.
But for those who are going to move to Australia forever or plan to live in this country for a long time, it is worthwhile to attend to the study of the features of Australian English, including slang.
On the other hand, a basic knowledge of English not lower than the Intermediate level is enough for the first time and arrangement on the spot. In the future, the language environment in which the person finds himself will take his toll, and the visitor will speak Australian English no worse than the local ones.
It is enough from six months to a year for complete adaptation, however, after a longer time, a person may encounter something new in a language already familiar to him.