Youth Adults in OZ and USA
I have this prevailing sense that the life’s of most young adults around my age in Australia is similar to the life’s of most young adults around my age in the USA. That being said, there appear to be some topical differences.
1.Vocabulary. While it is technically English, words are often phrased differently. For example, car park=parking lot, have a yarn=to chat, how you going=how you doing, rock up=go to, bird=girl, bloke=guy, mate=friend, course=major, etc. However, I am now able to recognize most of the different phrases. Even ones I have not heard before can be deciphered.
2.Accent. Similar to vocabulary. Hard to understand at first, then not so difficult.
3.Fashion. In my opinion, overall, both males and females in Australia have a better fashion sense. This includes both dress and hair. Dress is coordinated, often revolving around clothing tagged with wild graphic designs. Male hair is most often short on sides and long on top and back, usually in “faux” hawk fashion. Female hair is similar as in the USA. In addition, there are groups at the Uni who dress differently. I would best describe them as the thrift store shoppers. Still, they do it very fashionable. Accessories appear to be the key. Plus, everyone has interesting footwear. Footwear appears to be of high importance.
4.Entertainment. Movies, music, TV by and large are imported from other countries, mainly the USA. Even Australian shows like Australian Idol and Big Brother stem from ideas created in the USA.
5.Food. Vegemite is a source of national pride. Peanut butter is seen as a weaker alternative. Sweet chili sauce and BBQ sauce can go on almost anything. Ranch dressing, which is popular in the USA, is almost nonexistent. Understandably, Mexican food is scarce. Chinese, Thai, Turkish Kebabs, and pizza are common. Burger King is called Hungry Jacks. Different kitchen appliances are present in a typical kitchen including a rice cooker and a kettle for heating water.
6.Paryting/Nightlife. So far, the drinking by American students is much more extensive. USA students appear to be more apt to binge drinking, possibly from the USA government’s strict drinking laws prohibiting drinking before 21. Alcohol is substantially more expensive here compared to the USA. This includes alcohol in bars/pubs and bottle shops (liquor stores).
7.Driving. Done on the opposite side of the road. Roundabouts replace traffic lights. In my experience, driving here is more frightening. Drivers often drive fast and tail one another closely. Roads are typically narrow and bendy. Usually, the roads are in need of repair and a wider shoulder!
1.Vocabulary. While it is technically English, words are often phrased differently. For example, car park=parking lot, have a yarn=to chat, how you going=how you doing, rock up=go to, bird=girl, bloke=guy, mate=friend, course=major, etc. However, I am now able to recognize most of the different phrases. Even ones I have not heard before can be deciphered.
2.Accent. Similar to vocabulary. Hard to understand at first, then not so difficult.
3.Fashion. In my opinion, overall, both males and females in Australia have a better fashion sense. This includes both dress and hair. Dress is coordinated, often revolving around clothing tagged with wild graphic designs. Male hair is most often short on sides and long on top and back, usually in “faux” hawk fashion. Female hair is similar as in the USA. In addition, there are groups at the Uni who dress differently. I would best describe them as the thrift store shoppers. Still, they do it very fashionable. Accessories appear to be the key. Plus, everyone has interesting footwear. Footwear appears to be of high importance.
4.Entertainment. Movies, music, TV by and large are imported from other countries, mainly the USA. Even Australian shows like Australian Idol and Big Brother stem from ideas created in the USA.
5.Food. Vegemite is a source of national pride. Peanut butter is seen as a weaker alternative. Sweet chili sauce and BBQ sauce can go on almost anything. Ranch dressing, which is popular in the USA, is almost nonexistent. Understandably, Mexican food is scarce. Chinese, Thai, Turkish Kebabs, and pizza are common. Burger King is called Hungry Jacks. Different kitchen appliances are present in a typical kitchen including a rice cooker and a kettle for heating water.
6.Paryting/Nightlife. So far, the drinking by American students is much more extensive. USA students appear to be more apt to binge drinking, possibly from the USA government’s strict drinking laws prohibiting drinking before 21. Alcohol is substantially more expensive here compared to the USA. This includes alcohol in bars/pubs and bottle shops (liquor stores).
7.Driving. Done on the opposite side of the road. Roundabouts replace traffic lights. In my experience, driving here is more frightening. Drivers often drive fast and tail one another closely. Roads are typically narrow and bendy. Usually, the roads are in need of repair and a wider shoulder!