There are many well know Aussieisms. D'day mate is the universal Aussie saying. No worries is another famous one. There are less well known ones though. Faridinkum, any number of the shortened words they use such as arvo, brekkie, sunnies, or any other word. I've even heard Facebook called facie recently. The Aussies while speaking English speak a brand that is unique to them, and really can't be fully understood until it is experienced.
Being immersed in this different language I had to make a decision about my approach to it. Would I actively resist it, and continue to use the American sayings and words that I grew up with. Would I intentionally adopt these new words and start calling people mate instead of man. Or would I go with the lazy route of not thinking about it at all and simply see what happens. I decided to go the first way. I have very intentionally avoided using any Aussie phrases into my speech, other than 1-2 words I have consciously adopted. I know other expats who have gone whole hog adopting Aussie sayings, even to altering how they pronounce certain words to be more Australian.
I find my approach as a way to continue to assert my identity, especially as an American. Others talk Aussie to try and embrace and assimilate into their new culture. Neither is better I believe, just personal taste. And hell if just about everyone in this country will immediately identify me as American, than why not embrace it and celebrate my Americaness. God knows I miss real bbq and a corrupt relationship between amateur athletics and tertiary education back home. Talking the way I do helps remind of these things.
Being immersed in this different language I had to make a decision about my approach to it. Would I actively resist it, and continue to use the American sayings and words that I grew up with. Would I intentionally adopt these new words and start calling people mate instead of man. Or would I go with the lazy route of not thinking about it at all and simply see what happens. I decided to go the first way. I have very intentionally avoided using any Aussie phrases into my speech, other than 1-2 words I have consciously adopted. I know other expats who have gone whole hog adopting Aussie sayings, even to altering how they pronounce certain words to be more Australian.
I find my approach as a way to continue to assert my identity, especially as an American. Others talk Aussie to try and embrace and assimilate into their new culture. Neither is better I believe, just personal taste. And hell if just about everyone in this country will immediately identify me as American, than why not embrace it and celebrate my Americaness. God knows I miss real bbq and a corrupt relationship between amateur athletics and tertiary education back home. Talking the way I do helps remind of these things.
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