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Australia is definitely a far off land away from almost any other land in the world. Because of this, you would think the “land from down under” would be considered a whole new world to us; but in fact, there isn’t a whole lot different about this country (or continent, you could say also). Australia has the same beliefs we do (Italia 22), celebrate holidays that we celebrate (Italia 35), compete in the same sports and activities we compete in (Italia 36), and live the same lifestyles we live in (Italia 28). Despite all of the similar qualities, however, there are some interesting features that are found only in Australia; including the Australian language.

The main language of Australia is English (Jeans, D.N. 900), but there are many other languages present from immigrants who live there. This includes: Africans, Europeans, Asians, and the biggest Greek community outside of Greece. The diversity of cultures, of course, brings many religious beliefs also. With Christian being the most common religion there, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam are among the many other religions celebrated in Australia. (Italia 22)

Besides the amount of variations of people who immigrate, you cannot forget the variety of the natives to Australia. Yes, most of the Australians wouldn’t be able to be differentiated with other citizens; but the remaining few of the present-day Aborigine tribes would be as noticeable as Osama Bin Laden and a bunch of English noblemen. These people [who some still live by how their great ancestors (Italia 29), who lived in Australia before anyone else had even stepped foot on Australia's lands (Italia 4), did] not only know the English language, but know around 30 different native languages as well (Italia 23). Talk about variety! What makes it more amazing is that the Aborigines [along with the Torres Strait Islanders- another native-based civilization in Australia(Italia 22)] also know and still tell myths from their ancestors long ago. These myths are about such subjects as the changing seasons, the creation of the sun and moon, and the birth of their ancestors (Italia 22).

The language of Australia is often mistaken for the language of the English Cockney people (Jeans, D. N. 901), but there are many things different about the two. For instance, the Aussie’s have a broader and flatter vocal voice than those of the English Cockneys. However, although the main language used (English) is a common language in the world (Jeans, D.N. 900), there are some certain qualities for Australia’s language that only true Aussies can use, or succeed at using. For instance, common words and phrases are even used as almost another language not used anywhere else besides Australia (Rivera 1). Some of the words and phrases might sound colloquial in usage, however, but are used commonly in spoken and written Australian (Rivera 1). Here are basically all the common words and phrases you would need to know to sound like a true Aussie:

- Barrack for- cheer. - battler- someone who tries hard, despite money problems.

- bitumen- paved road, asphalt. - bludger- one who relies on Social Security for money. - bonnet- hood of a car - boot- trunk of a car.

- bottle shop- liquor store. - bushfire- forest fire, wildfire.

- bushranger- outlaw, highwayman. - BYO- Bring Your Own (wine).

- cask- boxed wine ready to drink from a spigot. -chemist’s- pharmacy or drugstore.

- come good- turn out okay -cut lunch- sandwiches. - deli- milk bar, delicatessen.

- esky- insulated container. - flake- shark meat.

- give it away- give up. - grazier- cattle or sheep farmer.

- holidays- vacation. - knock- criticize.

- lamington- sponge cake covered in chocolate and coconut. - lay-by- buy an installment without taking the goods until fully paid for. - lift- elevator.

- lolly- candy. - milk bar- general store.

- newsagent- newspaper shop. - offsider- assistant or partner.

- out of pocket- spent more than received. - pavlova- meringue and cream dessert.

- ratbag- weird, etc. -ropable- extremely angry or bad tempered.

- sealed- paved road. - shellacking- criticism for a shameful defeat.

- shanky- unreliable. - shopstealing- shoplifting.

- sunbake- sunbathe. - takeaway- take out.

- windscreen- windshield (of a motor vehicle) (Rivera 1-3)

The most interesting and, also different factor about the Australian language, which is not like any other language, is the Australian Rhyming Slang; which basically even has its own system to learn ( Rivera 1). For instance, to “create” a rhyming slang phrase, you would have to use a two-word phrase with the second word rhyming with the word intended (Example: To say “tub” you could say “rubbity dub” or “bubbley bub”)(Rivera 1). However, besides the regular system, there are variations, such as removing the second word in the phrase and pluralizing the first (Example: “Bubbley bub” would be changed to “bubbleys”)(Rivera 2).Another variation would be to change the first word to a shorter “abbreviation”, while also leaving the second word out (Example: “bubbleys” would be “bub”) (Rivera 3).

The strangest factors about this “Rhyming Slang” (or shall we say interesting) are the origin of this language and the reason it was developed. The Australian Language Slang was created none other by the first convicts who arrived at the island. The convicts came up with the idea of making a “code-based language” to be able to have conversations and meetings with each other without the authorities, who were keeping watch on them, understand what they were saying, or even talking about. (Jeans, D. N.

Australia’s varieties of languages are very interesting and innovating, however for some, the origins are even more breathtaking to acknowledge. Knowing the complicacy of this language not only makes you think, but assures anyone that “The Crocodile Hunter” is not the only thing interesting about this country.

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