Explaining the Australian way of life or culture seems easy enough in concept, it actually took me a long time to determine the dominant aspects of our culture.
In terms of the college lifestyle the culture could not be further apart; in Australia I can only think of a handful of Universities that the students live on campus, majority are for students who live in rural conditions where there are no universities. After finishing high school you to further your education you either go to Uni, Tafe or a trade (such as plumbing, electrician). Most people live with their parents whilst at Uni or Tafe as the institutions are usually in the heart of each capital city. There is not a strong sense of community at UniSA (my University) there is not a large organization or team at all contrast to Adelaide Uni which has an AFL Club with 8 teams or over 200 players. It differs from each Uni. As there is not much of a college atmosphere in Australia we must make it up in other ways right?
Australians are passionate about their sports similar to the passion the Clemson faithful have for their teams. If were not at class were playing on of our nations sports depending on the time of year. In the summer the beach is packed with people playing or sunbaking it’s the place to be, it’s not uncommon for students to skip class to go to the beach.
The majority of Australia’s culture is the same the further inland you go (away from Cities) the more Aboriginal communities and country people you will encounter.
In the main cities there is a cross culture of immigrants especially where I am from Adelaide there are small communities of different cultures. Where my grandparents live is a strong European settlement and culture, 5 minutes away from their place, the dominant culture would be Sudanese. This shows that Australia is a very diverse country which is seen in Hofstede’s IDV, individualism where Australia ranks second to America.
I have to say the stereotype of Australia having Kangaroos in our back yards or being best mates with Steve Erwin is not true; the amount of times I have been asked that at Clemson is unbelievable. The following characteristics can define the typical Australian;
- a strong sense of justice, balanced by a desire to champion the "underdog"
- loyalty and a strong sense of "mateship" and sticking by one's mates (friends)
- enjoys barbeques and beer (but not all of us like beer!)
- enjoys a day at the beach
- appreciates and respects the outback, with all its dangers and its raw, untouched beauty, even though not all Australians have the opportunity to travel through it
- hard-working and often hard-playing
What should be noted is that Australian find a way to abreveate every word or come up with a nick name. Common sayings are adding an O to the end of someone’s name e.g. Dave becomes Davo. Below is some slang that would probably be useful for foreigners travelling to Australia.
Shrapnel Change/coins
BBQ Proper grilled meat
Footy Australian Rules Football (AFL)
Boardies Bathing Suit
Arvo Arfternoon
Bottle O Bottle Shop/ Liquior Store
G’Day Hello
Maccas Mc Donalds
Oi Hello
Snag Sausage
I trust this has explained the way of Australian People.
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