Australian phrases you’ll hear when you study English courses in Melbourne or Brisbane
English is a global language – industries like finance, international business and science are almost entirely English, and it’s hands-down the world’s most widely taught tongue.
Since English is such a widely taught and spoken language, there’s no such thing as “standard” or “proper” English.
Wherever you go, there will be a lot of variatiety and local flavour to the English you hear.
And Australian English is no different!
By enrolling in one of Academia’s English courses in Melbourne and Brisbane, you will be taught all the English skills you need to succeed in the workplace, enter further education, or migrate to Australia.
However, it’s just as important that you learn about all the unique Australian-isms you’ll hear during your stay down under – especially if you plan on moving here!
So between studying your English course, keep your ears open for these “Aussie” terms!
Aussies like shortening things
Did you know? The word “selfie” was created by an Australian!
One habit you’ll hear a lot while you’re living or studying in Australia is our habit of shortening words.
We Aussies like to find ways to shorten words.
“Aussie” is a great example – no prizes for guessing what that’s short for – Australian!
Some other common examples of this include:
- Arvo – afternoon
- Footy – football (AFL in Melbourne, rugby in Brisbane)
- Servo – service station
- Sanga – sandwich
- Chardy – chardonnay wine
- Mo – moustache
- Tradie – tradesperson
- Ute – utility truck
- Mozzie – mosquito
- Brekkie – breakfast
- Ambo – ambulance/paramedic
Our weird pronunciation also applies to places.
Simply put, you don’t always pronounce our city names the way they’re spelt.
Melbourne isn’t pronounced “Mel-born” – it’s “Mel-BUN”. Likewise, it isn’t “Bris-bayn”, it’s “Bris-BIN”.
If you’re studying English in Brisbane and Melbourne (or Brissie and Melbs for short!), you’ll likely encounter these slang words in casual conversation outside of the classroom.
“Yeah, nah” and “nah, yeah”
“What does that mean? Are they agreeing with me? Disagreeing? Both?”
It sounds like it makes no sense, but to any Aussie, both of these are completely different responses.
The key is the second word – that’s what we’re actually trying to say. For simplicity’s sake:
- “Yeah, nah” = no
- “Nah, yeah” = yes
… okay, so it’s not quite that simple!
“Yeah, nah” basically says “I hear what you say (the “yeah”), but and I disagree (the “nah”).
In simpler terms, it means “no”!
Just be careful to watch your voice tone when using this however, as it can be a little bit rude!
“Nah, yeah” says that “I agree, but not 100%”. You might use this when you don’t agree completely with the other person, or when you’re unsure.
Don’t worry if it takes a while to figure out – many native English speakers who visit Australia from places like the US or UK also have trouble with this, so you aren’t alone!
Is that a question? Rising inflection, explained
One unique quirk you’ll notice amongst Australians while speaking is our habit of finishing each sentence by raising our voice tone, as if asking a question.
This isn’t because we’re always asking questions – that’s just how many of us talk.
This is what linguists call upwards inflection, or “upspeak”.
While not every Aussie does it, enough of us do that it has become part of the Australian stereotype.
This video does a great job demonstrating upwards inflection, and how it changes the way sentences sound. The only thing it gets wrong is the origin – we believe that it actually comes from Australia!
Another quirk is our tendency to ask questions that don’t really need answering when really, we’re just trying to make a statement.
“How bad is the rain?” translates into something along the lines of, “Gee, the rain is heavy today”; it’s not necessarily a question that needs an answer.
Study English in Brisbane and Melbourne with Academia
If you plan on studying English in Australia, you’ll need to understand what makes Australian English-speakers unique from those in other English-speaking countries.
However, it’s just as important that you have a good knowledge of formal English – especially if you plan on studying or working alongside native English speakers.
Luckily, Academia can help you take your professional and academic English to the next level.
Here’s a quick summary of our English courses offered at both our Melbourne and Brisbane campuses.
General English
With 6 levels ranging from beginner to advanced, our General English course is perfect for those who are looking to develop practical English skills for day-to-day life.
In addition to conversational skills, you’ll also be involved in lessons that teach you how to:
- Fill out forms
- Write resumes
- Apply for jobs
Click here to learn about our General English course.
English for Academic Purposes
Many Australian universities (as well as those in the US, UK and Canada) require foreign students to possess a minimum level of English proficiency.
This requires a unique English test – after all, the language used in universities is much more formal than the type you normally use when speaking conversationally with friends.
Academia’s English for Academic Purposes is geared towards these students, helping to prepare you for your success in your future studies, and maximising your chances of being accepted into the course of your dreams.
Click here to learn about English for Academic Purposes.
English for IELTS Preparation
The IELTS is one of the world’s leading English tests, employed by many multinational businesses as well as immigration authorities in several countries – Australia included.
Designed specifically with the IELTS test in mind, English for IELTS Preparation teaches you everything you need to know to score top marks on your IELTS exam.
You’ll learn essential English skills in:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
In many cases, you can raise your IELTS score by 0.5 in as little as 10 weeks.
Click here to learn more about English for IELTS Preparation.
Enrol in Academia’s English courses in Melbourne and Brisbane today!
If you want to study English in Brisbane or Melbourne, Academia is the place to be.
Our lessons aren’t limited to the classroom – we also offer a range of extra English classes and clubs for free, including a movie club which can further improve your English listening and comprehension skills.
We also offer foreign students with plenty of support, including temporary accommodation, airport pickup and resources to help you find a job to support yourself.
It’s thanks to extras like these that we’ve been recognised as one of Australia’s best tertiary education providers for international students!
Get in touch with us today to discuss the best English course to help you achieve your academic goals.
International students can contact our academy using the number below:
- International number: +61 3 9671 4755
- Alternatively, you can fill in this enquiry form
Our local campus numbers are as follows:
