Some people believe that Australians speak a different language to the rest of the English speaking world. In some ways they're right, so i'll be giving free lessons in Australian so you can fit right in. I'm not going to be teaching you how to speak like Steve Irwin, this will be accurate and benefit your life infinitely.
Today's lesson: Pronunciation
I could attempt to deconstruct all the syllable sounds and tongue placements of Australian, but to start with, it will be better to just teach you the CORRECT pronunciation of a few common Australian words and phrases.
- "Melbourne"
Americans are hopeless with pronouncing the name of Sydney's jealous cousin. It's vaguely understandable though. Movie titles like "The Bourne Identity" would logically make you think the "-bourne" rhymes with "born". So i'll excuse the following people. For the rest of you though, remember the "-bourne" in "Melbourne" sounds more like "bun".
WRONG: "Sorry, Rove, I couldn't make it down to MEL-BORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRN"
RIGHT: "Neighbours is set in MELB-UN"
- "Sorry"
I never though i'd have any trouble understanding an American pronouncing this word but I did. It happened at uni when I was talking to a Canadian who started talking about "SAURY day". "SAURY day?? Is that a Canadian celebration of the Montessori school system?" I pondered but I soon realised she was talking about "SOH-REE" day. Sharper "soh", quieter "r".
- "Do you reckon?"
Foreigners don't necessarily mispronounce this Australian phrase but over the years it has been shortened in various stages.
"Do you reckon?" ---> "Dyou reckon?" ----> "Dreckon?"
I urge Australians to try this, the next time in conversation you intend to say "Do you reckon?" just say "Dreckon?" and see if it goes by un-noticed.
- "Delta Goodrem"
Delta Goodrem is Australia's most loved and simultaneously hated pop singer. I didn't realise there'd be any difficulty in pronouncing her name. I also didn't realise there'd be so many problems spelling this name it's not that difficult.
WRONG: "Delta GOOD-RIM's new song is SO good!!!"
RIGHT: "Delta GOOD-drum's official forum of full of psycho fanatics"
KATH + KIM: "Watch out Delta GOOD-ROOM!!"
- "Aussie"
This is the #1 most important pronunciation you could EVER learn! If you learn nothing else today, please learn: