July 31st, 2020.
Culture
ENGLISH SPEAKING COUNTRIES#4:
AUSTRALIA
by Timoteo Freitas
Koalas and kangaroos are important pieces of this country. In fact, animal life is a great peculiarity there in Australia. Located in Oceania, Australia is the largest country on the continent. Its capital is Canberra. Its population is only 24 million people and 85% of the population lives in the coastal area, therefore Australia is the country with the largest number of coastal population.
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This country, dubbed the “continent island” because of its continent size and island isolation, is still composed of an island state, Tasmania. A smaller island with a large and specific biodiversity. Cartoon lovers will remember the Tasmanian Devil. This animal is native to this island and (to the relief of many) it is not as angry as in the cartoon, but it is better not to get too close.
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With very characteristic animals, such as the Red Kangaroo that together with the Emu, are present on the country's shield, as official representatives. Also, we have the platypus (again, cartoon fans will remember a certain spy), having a duck's beak, a beaver's tail, paws like an otter's, it is poisonous and is the only mammal to lay eggs; Koalas and Wombats; and the cutest, quokkas, who “smile” and are hairy and chubby.
Australian landscapes are jaw-dropping. Recognized as a megadiverse country, it has everything, from deserts to tropical forests. Blue Mountains, Byron Bay, Mornington Peninsula, Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach / Whitsundays, and Noosa are incredible suggestions to visit. But if you like a road trip you can visit the Great Ocean Road, which is a road in the state of Victoria that borders the coast and is about 240 km long, passing through wonderful landscapes.
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In addition to these specific places, there are entire cities with all kinds of activities. Sydney, where the Opera House is located, a building of striking architecture; Melbourne and Brisbane. It is difficult to choose just one place to visit in this country that is very receptive to tourists.
Like any country colonized by England, Australia's official language is English. But because of the influence of the language of Aboriginal peoples, Australian English carries some differences. The main one is the pronunciation of the vowels. In some words the sound / ei / is pronounced / ai / in Australian English as in day. The accent also causes difficulty in understanding, but it is not impossible to talk to a native. Another point to be highlighted is the common slang in the country: blokes - boys; sheilas - girls; daks - pants; brekkie - breakfast; barbie - barbecue; roo - kangaroo; servo - gas station; hooroo - bye.
In literature, Australia is very well represented. As a suggestion for reading, we have the book “Cloudstreet” (1991), written by Tim Winton. This book tells the story of two contrasting families and addresses topics such as family and community. There is also the book “The Book Thief" (2005), by Markus Zusak and Rhonda Byrne, author of the bestseller “The Secret” (2006).
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In music, Australia is full of renowned artists. Our suggestions are Sia, Tones and I and Vance Joy. In the cinema, “The Adventures of Priscilla, the queen of the desert” (1994) and “Rabbit-Proof Fence” (2002) are unmissable tips.
