Our PM says

“sorry”

•In a landmark move by the newly elected labor government on 14 February 2008, the PM apologised to the Aboriginal people formally for atrocities and racist actions carried out by previous generations, and the policies and actions of former governments.

Language - Greetings

•Australia is generally a relaxed informal society, so you might hear fellow students and friends greet each other with; ‘Hello’, ‘Hi’ or ‘Hey’, ‘How’s it going?’ ‘How are ya?’

•In a more formal environment it is customary to shake the hand of those you meet, and greet them with the formal greeting of good morning, good afternoon or good evening…

Goodbye

•In an informal setting it is ok to simply say: 'See you later,' or 'See you around' or just 'see ya'. Some people even say 'Ciao' which shows our multiculturalism – and is actually Italian.

•In a more formal setting or the first time you meet someone you might like to say: 'It was a pleasure to meet you,' or 'It was nice to meet you.'

Please / thank you & excuse me / sorry

•When you would like something, it is customary to say 'please'. Once you receive something or when something is provided say thank you. Australians are very big users of 'please' and 'thank you'.

•Australians often say, 'Excuse me' to get a person's attention and 'sorry' if we bump into them.

Requesting, asking permission, apologizing

•I would like a …

•Can I have/get a …

•Would you mind … if I asked a friend to come to the party

•I can’t come, sorry, I have another appointment/commitment

Meetings &

Appointments

•You should always try to be on time for meetings and other visits. If you realise you are going to be late, try to contact the person to let them know. This is very important for visits to professionals as you may be charged money for being late or if you miss the appointment without letting them know before.

Common Australian Slang

Australian english has a colourful collection of sayings and phrases

Australians insert slang into daily conversation, and it is done almost unconsciously.

slang :

• G'day: Good day/ hello

• See ya Later: See you later/ Goodbye

• You Right?: Do you need assistance?

• D'ya reckon?: Do you think so?

• Good on ya!: Well done!

• It's my shout!: It is my turn to buy you a meal or a drink. If someone shouts you something it is customary to return the gesture.

• Tute: tutorial

More examples: Common Australian Slang.docx http://alldownunder.com/oz-u/slang/index.html

Rhyming slang

•Willy nilly – random, doing things all over the place

•Topsy turvy – upside down

•Higgledy-piggledy – a mess

•Dilly dally – to delay

•Mumbo jumbo – nonsense words/phrases

•Mojo – luck

•Mish-mash - mixture

•Flip-flops - sandals/thongs/open shoes

Colloquialisms

•These often take the form of a comparison and often raise startling images. Examples include:

• ‘Flat out like a lizard drinking' (working very hard on a task).

•Dazed and confused, someone will wander 'like a stunned mullet‘.

•In a furious rage, they will be ‘as mad as a cut snake' .