Australians Teach English

ANZAC Day is the most solemn and one of the most special days in the Australian and New Zealand calendar. And that's why I bring you this special episode. Our guest this week is carrying on the tradition of the ANZACs. But it's not someone you'd expect. I met Ronnie whilst playing cricket in Darwin. His brother, Rocky, is a gun cricketer, and asked if he could bring his brother down to play as well. And so, the story of how a group of cricketers became mates with a pair of Bangladeshis began. As we moved away, we've all kept in touch. But I think we were all surprised when Ronnie decided to join the Australian Defence Force. I don't think anyone had heard of a Bangladeshi doing so, but as it turns out, he's led the charge on many foreign born Australians joining the armed forces. This episode is the story of how Ronnie decided to carry on this tradition, and why it is so important for Australians. We talk about how learning a language can be a lot like being in trenches. We also talk about how we can use the ANZAC spirit to help guide our way and continue to make positive contributions to the country. If you would like a transcript for this episode, get access to all content and have a say in the creative process, or would just like to support the show, think about becoming a patron: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

I came across this week's guest because she could do a grouse Australian accent. Which was unusual because it's not often a seppo can actually do an Australian accent correctly. After finding out a bit more about Paula, I realised why she had this talent - she is an accent coach for actors and voice actors in video games and animations, specialising in training US based actors in these roles. She is also a polyglot, which gives us lots of material to talk about when it comes to language learning and pronunciation. As with the word grouse, a lot of differences in accents comes down to the vowel sounds, and it is also what makes it difficult to learn pronunciation, depending on your first language. We debate the merits of learning the IPA chart, and in what circumstances it is most beneficial. We also explore the main differences between accents from the southern hemisphere and the vowel shifts that have taken place. Enoy this grouse episode and let us know what you think. Paula can be found on instagram @accentcolors . If you would like a transcript for this episode, get access to all content and have a say in the creative process, or would just like to support the show, think about becoming a patron: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

After a long day of work, or if you are just feeling lazy, and you can't be f*d cooking dinner, you may head down to the shops to pick up one of these - a bachelor's handbag. The bachelor's handbag is a very recent addition to Australian slang, and was one of the most popular contenders for Australian word of the year in 2022. For a while I had noticed that our guest Emilia Terzon, was an afficionado and connoisseur of the bachy handbag. So I invited her on to the show to talk about her area of expertise. She is also a business and economics reporter for ABC News. So not only do we talk about the bachy handbag, but lots of vocabulary related to supermarkets and "Business English". Her work for the ABC has been extremely broad, but her most recent areas include the housing market, and the Coles and Woolies duopoly. If you are interested in improving your vocabulary related to business, or need to expand your general understanding of economics for english exams, then this is the episode for you. If you would like a transcript for this episode, get access to all content and have a say in the creative process, or would just like to support the show, think about becoming a patron: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

One of the most common jobs people first get when they come to Australia is as a cleaner - or a job that involves cleaning. You may be asked to make things look schmick. In this episode, we talk with Sophia, who began her career as a cleaner when she came to Australia - and has now gone onto bigger and better things. We talk about expressions related to all things dirty and clean, and of course, schmick. If you are looking for work tips, vocabulary to help you in your job, or some help if you feel a bit deflated by your work opportunities, this is the episode for you. If you would like a transcript for this episode, get access to all content and have a say in the creative process, or would just like to support the show, think about becoming a patron: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

Welcome back to the Australians Teach English Podcast for 2024. We're feeling a little bit cocky, which is funny, because that's the name of this episode. You might have noticed that the mascot is a white bird - he's actually a cockie or cocky. So, I thought it was about time to do an episode on cockies. And who better to talk about cockies than the true cockie lady herself, Suzy from @thealmondcafe ? Over the years, Suzy's balcony has become the second home to a flock of cockies, and we talk about her experiences with them. We talk about different cockatoos and the various conservation status that each has. We also talk about the origin of the word cockatoo, and how variations can be used differently. And of course, we talk about the language of cockatoos, and what we can learn from them. If you would like a transcript for this episode, get access to all content and have a say in the creative process, or would just like to support the show, think about becoming a patron: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

On this week's episode, we talk to a top sheila. Actually, she plays the role of many sheilas. You might know her as "themommyroves" on social media. Rovie is making a name for herself, publishing funny videos about her life in Australia, funny slang and situations that might sound strange for new immigrants to Australia. We talk to her about why she started doing these videos, what she has learned whilst doing them and what you can take away from her experiences. We talk about different slang terms for women, whether they have a negative connotation or not, the differences between parties in Australia and the Phillipines and lots and lots of other Australian related vocabulary. I hope you enjoy this interview with a top sheila. Rovie can be found here: https://instagram.com/themommyroves?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ== And everywhere else @themommyroves If you would like a transcript for this episode, get access to all content and have a say in the creative process, or would just like to support the show, think about becoming a patron: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

In most episodes, we have a bit of a chinwag. But in this episode, it is the guest's specialty. Michellle is a proud first generation latina who excels at organising events for, and promoting the latin community. In this episode, we have a chinwag about her experiences growing up in Australia as first gen, and the challenges she has faced as being from "neither here nor there". We also look at a process, or grammar rule, called ablaut reduplication, of which chinwag is an example, as are many other australian expressions and items. We talk about the importance of having a chinwag when arriving in Australia to limit culture shock, and the things that, in particular, latin women find different when arriving in Australia. If you would like a transcript for this episode, get access to all content and have a say in the creative process, or would just like to support the show, think about becoming a patron: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

I met Liah whilst spilling my guts in meme form about my life as a paraplegic. At the time, she was an intern on a spinal ward, and wanted to know what the experience was like, in order to gain a better perspective. Since then we have become good friends and the idea for this episode started. Liah has been able to spill her guts, and does so in this episode, about her life growing up in Australia as the daughter of a vietnamese "boat person". This episode is about those struggles and the interesting perspective Liah gained from growing up with her unique circumstances. We talk about how recovery from a spinal injury is a lot like learning a language. and how it can take a lot of guts. We get to talk about some medical slang and why the word, "guts"makes its way into our language. We talk about similar expressions that relate to revealing something and divulging information. We've taken this opportunity to spill our guts a little bit. I hope you appreciate it! If you would like a transcript for this episode, get access to all content and have a say in the creative process, or would just like to support the show, think about becoming a patron: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

The Australian "no" is one of the first words that people notice as sounding different in Australian English. Demonstrating the Australian accent and the way we say, "no" has gone viral several times on social media. So, I decided to get the authority on Australian accents and voice coaching for the Australian accent, Amy Hume. Amy Hume works with performers, actors and others to improve the use of their voice and develop a range of pronunciation. This includes developing awareness of accents, especially the Australian accent. In this episode, we talk about the key sounds in Australian English - the "o" in no, long vowel sounds, non-rhoticity and intrusive r sounds. We also talk about many other debates related to accents - what should the goals be in pronunciation and potential changes in the Australian accent. But if you are interested in pronunciation, not just of Australian English, but English in general, then this episode is for you. Amy Hume's details can be found here: https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/865703-amy-hume If you would like a transcript for this episode, get access to all content and have a say in the creative process, or would just like to support the show, think about becoming a patron: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

The story of Harold Holt is one of the weirdest pieces of Australian history. He was Prime Minister of Australia at the time he went missing in the ocean, creating a crisis in Australian politics. To talk about this weird history are the team from Weird Crap in Australia Podcast, Holly and Matthew Soal. We talk about the history of Harold Holt, and how through rhyming slang, he has become enshrined in Australian English. We talk more broadly about rhyming slang in Australia and how we use it. We also talk about how Australian culture has enabled us to dedicate an aquatic centre to a politician who drowned. We also talk about how learning language through history is a very productive strategy for language learners. Holly and Mathew's podcast can be found here: https://open.spotify.com/show/4muiS0Gfcy6gMtCVgadAOj?si=3754523845cd48ac For access to all exclusive content, transcripts and to have input on the creative process go to: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

Camila Inostrozo, better known as CamienAustralia, is an exceptionally funny, intelligent and vibrant young lady. She's extremely good value. She has a knack for being able to explain complex and difficult concepts about living in Australia, in an honest, simple and clear way to the Latin community in Australia. As such, she has developed a loyal following on social media. Whereas others share endless photos of the glamorous lifestyle in Australia - white sandy beaches and famous landmarks - Cami, explains the everyday things that are vital for people to understand to be successful in Australia. I talk to Cami about her best tips for surviving in Australia, her recommendations on being good value, and of course, super useful and practical tips for learning English in Australia. I hope you find this episode good value, and that, like the rest of us, understand why Cami is really good value. For access to all exclusive content, transcripts and to have input on the creative process go to: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

In this episode, we talk to Daniela Castro about her life as a journo. Starting her career in Venezuela as a journalist was fraught with danger - as it often is in many parts of the world. She then began to look for options to pursue her career and other life options. It was almost by chance that she came to Australia and was able to apply for a protection visa - and despite her reluctance, became a refugee in Australia. Daniela explains how using her philosophy as a journo has helped her to learn English and prosper in Australia. What do you think of her story? For access to all exclusive content, transcripts and to have input on the creative process go to: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

The expression, "Kangaroo Court", sounds like it should be an Australian expression. But is it? We put it on trial to investigate the origins of this expression. And who better to do this with, than Kevin Stroud, host of The History of English Podcast - mandatory listening for anyone interested in knowing the origins of the English language. A former attorney, now linguistics and history enthusiast, his journey and English learning approach is a fascinating one. We look at the reasons why the K in Kangaroo and C in court have the same sound, and other novelties like this that confuse English learners. We also explain the concept of rhoticity and the resultant similarities and differences in Australian and North American English. Investigating the history of words, discovering cognates, and finding out the reasons for oddities are an increasingly important role in language acquisition as we expand our knowledge. I hope this interview provides you with the motivation to take this approach to further your language development. For access to all exclusive content, transcripts and to have input on the creative process go to: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

The Top End is a popular destination for everyone at this time of year. And with the demand for workers, it also attracts a lot of Working Holiday visa holders. But those looking to move to the top end at this time of year, are often disappointed to find that they can't find employment. One person who has done things right is my guest Maria. As soon as she arrived in Australia, Maria was prepared to live and work in remote and regional areas of Australia. She has identified where she wants to live and work ahead of time, and as a result of this, has ended up working in a place as close to paradise as can be. Myself, I lived in Darwin, in the top end for 4 years, did my post graduate study and travelled extensively in the top end and Northern Territory. It is a place close to my heart and I consider it one of my second homes. I hope that comes through in this episode. We take this opportunity to talk about the informal names given to some regions in Australia. We also talk about the strategies and tips for anyone wanting to work in the regions. What are your tips and strategies for living and working in remote and regional Australia? We'd love to hear them. For access to all exclusive content, transcripts and to have input on the creative process go to: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

In this episode, we talk to one of my mate's girlfriends (or fiance) who is now preggers, or up the duff. In Australian English there are some not so nice ways of saying pregnant. But, luckily Emilia is a good sport and friend. So, we can talk about these themes. Speaking of which, it's an opportune time to talk about false friends as well. And funnily enough, being pregnant seems to be false friend in various languages. We talk about some other examples of false friends and how to combat these in our language learning. We also talk about how having a community of language learning friends can help us. As well as some Australian related sporting terms like WAGs. Are there any funny false friends that you know of? We'd love to hear them! Get in touch. For access to all exclusive content, ttranscripts and to have input on the creative process go to: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

This episode is all about Australian food, and in particular, breakfast foods. And what better person to talk about this subject than a masterchef? In this episode we talk to Keyma Vasquez, who managed to reach the very final stages of Masterchef in 2022. Apart from that, her personal journey and her journey with food is fascinating in itself. We discuss how her experience in the Masterchef kitchen was like learning a language, and how being a contestant on Masterchef was a lot like moving to Australia as a whole. And let us know what you think. What some Australian foods that you know of? Or have you tried mixing Australian foods with other traditional foods? For access to all exclusive content, and to have input on the creative process go to: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

It's the 100th episode of the Australians Teach English podcast, and what better way to celebrate than with a shower beer? In this episode, we are joined by Abraham and Flo from Cachai Australia to help celebrate this milestone. We talk about how cultural oddities like drinking beer in the shower can help us to understand a culture and to integrate oneself. We discuss how the philosophy behind their podcast is similar to this one and why it is important to take on cultural components and factors when learning a language. We also talk about why we should take the pressure off ourselves and reduce the high expectations when learning a language and why this is prohibitive to learning a language and how Australians have an interesting perspective on this. Enjoy this light-hearted and informal 100th episode and let us know if there are any cultural oddities with Australia that you have found. For access to all exclusive content, and to have input on the creative process go to: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish

For access to all exclusive content, and to have input on the creative process go to: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish Taking the piss is a national Australian pastime. It speaks to the natural informality of Australian English. We do it to ourselves, and anyone with or displaying any authority, This has both advantages and disadvantages for learners of Australian English, and Australians looking to learn other languages. In this episode, we talk to Reka, a resident of Japan and learner of Japanese. What better way to talk about formal and informal language and its intracies through the eyes of an Australian in this position? We talk about the required mindset of learning languages when the level of formality is different between languages. Do you know of any equivalent expressions or activities in your language? We'd love to hear it. For a transcript of this episode and others, get in contact with us.

This week we're launching our Patreon. So why don't you go and have a stickybeak over there? You'll find ad free and exclusive content and have a say in what you want from the show. We want you to be a stickybeak when it comes to us. Find our Patreon here: patreon.com/AustraliansTeachEnglish Or, you can access transcripts for our shows, here: https://australiansteachenglish.com/subscription-plan/ In this episode, we talk about this classic Australian expression - to be overly inquisitive. We're sure you have many names for this type of person or action in your own language and we'd love to hear it. Related to this, we talk about the importance of noticing in language learning, and how we can actively use this in our language learning journey. Let us know what you noticed in this episode!

In this episode, we talk to Reka, an Australian teacher in Japan who is a chip off the old block. She is the daughter of Hungarian parents and is now a world traveller in her own right - a real chip off the old block. In her journeys, she recalls relearning her heritage language, a generation out of step and the challenges that it brought. She shares her experiences learning a new character language and tips and tricks for doing so. We also talk about visualisation and how this can help learners coming from a different alphabet, or any learners in general. And one thing that is difficult for English learners (and all English speakers) to understand is the many ways we use chips. We talk about the various meanings of these and other useful expressions with chips. So put all your chips on the table, the chips are not down, to come and learn why you might or might not be a chip off the old block. For transcripts and access to paid content, go to https://australiansteachenglish.com/subscription-plan/