Life Matters - Separate stories podcast Bludgers! Bogans! Snags! What our 'Strine language says about us
Aug 4, 2025
In this discussion, Amanda Luggerson, Director of the Australian National Dictionary Centre and historian, dives into the colorful world of Australian English. She uncovers how unique slang reflects Australia's cultural identity and worries about its preservation amid funding challenges. The conversation highlights the interplay between Indigenous languages and modern slang, showcasing terms that define moments in history, even during crises like the COVID pandemic. Let’s celebrate Australia’s rich linguistic heritage and explore the intricacies shaping its vibrant tongue!
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Unique Identity in Aussie English
- Australian English reflects our identity through unique words and phrases not heard elsewhere.
- Since colonization, Aussie English has diverged significantly from British English.
Documenting Aussie Words' History
- The Australian National Dictionary Centre catalogs unique Australian words and their origins.
- It documents words' histories and cultural significance like the Oxford English Dictionary.
Language Reflects Values and Change
- Language reveals our cultural values and history, including shifts in attitudes.
- Recording words like historical euphemisms documents societal changes.
