Thread: Subtleties of Australian English

Does anyone know which would be the main differences between UK English and Austrailan English, if any? Thanks for your help!!

Hi Sabrina, Australian English uses British spelling, not American, although this is changing because of the influence of American media and music. In regards to accent, the Australian accent is uniform across Australia, there are no regional accents. In regards to vocabulary, slang is widely used by all social classes, from the Prime Minister to labourers. There are 3 types of Australian English: Broad Australian, used by the lower classes, General Australian, used by the middle classes, and Educated Australian, spoken by the upper classes. Having said this, Australia does not have the class differences that Britain has, or classes based on education that America has, society is more egalitarian. There are some words derived from Aboriginal terms ("Billabong: water hole"). Diminutives are used a lot ("Barbie: barbecue"; "Mozzies: Mosquitoes", "Aussie: Australian"). Australian English is very colourful and interesting. I hope this helps you, if you need any specific thing, just ask and I'll be happy to tell you or I'll find out for you.

Cheers

Nira

Thanks for your posts Nira...I am learning a lot about Australia!

Hi Nira!
Thanks a lot for your email. It was really very enlightning for I didn´t know there were 3 types of Australian English. If I happen to come accross any specific query, I´ll surely let you know!!!

interesting Nira, thanks!

Sure Nira! I really enjoyed your explanation!! Thank you

Originally Posted by mem286

Sure Nira! I really enjoyed your explanation!! Thank you

If any other help is needed, i attend University in Newcastle, Australia so presumably I affiliate myself with this 'educated' speaking class. The more rural in Australia you go, you tend to find the deeper, stronger accents and higher slang.

So, tell us, what is Newcastle like?