G'day to all our bright eyed and bushy tailed international students

(Author unknown, n.d. Lost and found Poster, Stobie Pole somewhere in suburban Australia)

G'day is OZ-speak for 'hi' - in the warmest possible way. It is a derivative of 'good day'.

But what does 'bright eyed and busy tailed' mean?

This is one of the many colloquialisms you will encounter in Australia. You will find the language here both colourful, funny and challenging - quite unlike any variety of English you have ever heard before. When students first come to our shores, what would normally sound like 'did you watch the cricket on television?' sounds more like 'djawatchthecricketonthetelly'? (Some Aussies speak really fast!)

Language is one of the adjustments you will make along with:

• Different food


• The weather
  
• Cooking, washing and cleaning for the first time


• Getting around Adelaide
  
• Choosing a suburb to live in
  
• Making new friends

This week we expect to meet many new arrivals (and some who are not so new) during our International Student Orientation program. We know (from years of experience) that these are just some of the challenges you will face at a time in your life which is exhilerating and rewarding but not without its frustrations.

For those of you who have been here for more than a couple of weeks, please contribute to our discussion on:

• Things you have noticed which are different in Australian language and culture
• The best places to go in Adelaide and its surroundings

(You can post anonymously or use a nickname - you need to click on 'comments' which is in rather small print just below our sign-off)

Please vote on our poll and watch your link list grow.

We'll leave you with a question to ponder: What does 'Bright eyed and bushy tailed' actually mean and to what type of Australian animal does it refer?

The Learning Connection Team

@ Mawson Lakes