My AUSome Trip

“How are you?” “How are you doing?” “How’s it going?”

These questions sound familiar and are an appropriate way to greet someone and inquire about their well-being and current affairs.
In America that is.
Not in Australia, (or should I say “straya,”) where words are always shortened, intonation does not necessarily  indicate meaning and people often ask you “How are you going?” or more accurately, “Hayagoin’?”

It’s been quite the linguistic exercise for me and I love analyzing people’s speech patterns, diction and accent. This is why I wanted to come here, to Melbourne, in the first place and I have been delighting in my amateur analysis since I got here! My host family is surprisingly tolerant when I scoff at the words they use for familiar objects, and for shortening perfectly pronounceable words, just because it’s easier. And they in turn are patient and understanding when I use “American” words that they find equally amusing.

If you want some french fries with ketchup, you’ll be ordering “chips and tomato sauce.” That’s tomato as it rhymes with gelato. Not “tum-ay-tow” but “tum-ah-to”

If you’d like to wipe your fingers with a tissue, you’ll be asking for a “serviette” and if you’re thirsty, you could pour some water from a “jug,” not a pitcher.

If you’re around a baby in Australia, you’ll hear the words “nappy” (diaper) “dummy” (pacifier) and “pram” (carriage/stroller).
And even though it’s the most cliched Australia expression, people really do say “G’deye mate.”

But my favorite expression of all comes when you’ve done something admirable or worthwhile.
Instead of saying “good for you” or “good job,” you’ll be clopped on the back with a hearty “Good on you” —or, as you might’ve guessed by now, “Goodonya!”

I’m loving it here. I hardly miss you back home and I can’t wait for my first Uni (that’s University!) lecture with “legit” Aussies.
Smiles,
Lilach

Ps. Around here, I’m “Lil” now. Since all two syllables in my name are just too long!!!