Around the World with English

Christine Theron English teacher

People all around the world speak English. When we think about English, we tend to think of British English or American English, but with so many people from diverse countries speaking the language, it is no wonder the language is spoken differently around the world. The way people speak English is really fascinating and can give us a glimpse into the culture and history of a place. We know that there are differences in spelling and grammar between British and American English, with words like neighbour and neighbor or favourite and favorite. We are also aware of the differences in pronunciation, like tomato being said tom-ah-to in some places and tom-ay-to in others.

The differences in accents and vocabulary, as well as people’s tendency to mix English with their ‘local lingo’ brings some very colourful differences and a hodgepodge of language learning fun!

Let’s look at a few phrases from different parts of the English-speaking world. Can you understand what they mean?

Australia: Don’t be a bludger. Bring your bathers and sunnies. It’s gonna be a beauty of an arvo. We can grab some tucker on the way. New Zealand: Yea nah, she’ll be right bro. I’m gonna get a mean feed. I'm knackered after being out in the wop wops. South Africa: I’m feeling a bit miff today, but don’t stress, I’ll do it now now, you know I’m mos a fundi.

Check if your guesses were correct by looking on page 24.