Reading with Ryan - Australian Slang That’s Spoken Around the World

5 years ago

Reading is the perfect way to learn new vocabulary because you can see new words in different contexts. Reading also helps you understand how sentences are made because you can see the building blocks are put together. By reading often you'll become more confident in discussing anything, especially when you combine the vocabulary and grammar structures as well as the new knowledge you gain from reading into complex sentences.

So, Do you want to opportunity to practice your reading outside of class and get better at English? 
Read the following article and answer the questions by sending me a message or commenting below:

 Australian Slang That’s Spoken Around the World
 
Australia is well-known for its interesting and unusual slang. Even native English-speakers visiting Australia can have trouble understanding the locals because of their accents and the expressions they use. But some Australian slang expressions are used all over the world. Here are three of the most common examples.

1. Selfie
The popularity of social media and smartphones has made selfie a very popular English word. In 2013, Oxford Dictionaries made it the “Word of the Year,” and the US even has a National Selfie Day!

But selfie was a part of Australian English long before it became popular in other countries. The earliest known use was in 2002 when an Australian college student posted a photo that he had taken of himself online, calling it a “selfie”.

The student, Nathan Hope, told ABC News that he didn’t invent the word, but rather “it was just common slang [in Australia] at the time.”

2. Stoked
To be stoked is to be really happy or pleased. For example, you might say “I’m stoked!” if you’re excited about your holiday plans.

Along with other expressions, such as ripper, which means ‘very good’ or ‘great,’ stoked was first used by Australian surfers in the 1960s and 1970s.

3. No worries
Lastly, there’s the phrase no worries. English speakers around the world use this expression to tell someone that everything is fine.

“No worries” is also a common response to “thank you.” For example:
John: “Thanks for helping me.”
Mary: “No worries.”

So the next time someone thanks you, instead of “you’re welcome,” you can say “no worries” and know that you’re speaking Australian English.

Answer these questions by sending me a message or commenting below:
(always answer in FULL sentences... I will not accept one word answers)  

Comprehension Questions:
1. When was selfie named the “Word of the Year” by Oxford Dictionaries?
2. What does it mean 'to be stoked'?
3. What expression can you use instead of "you're welcome"?
 
Discussion Questions:
1. Which of the expressions featured in the article do you find most interesting? Why?
2. Do you think it's important to learn slang when studying a foreign language? Why? Why not?
3. What are your favourite English words or expressions? Why do you like them? 

Source: https://app.engoo.com/daily-news/article/australian-slang-thats-spoken-around-the-world/ghoCPMHEEeirOvtKttlXvQ

If you want to continue developing your English skills, book a class with me here: https://www.verbling.com/teachers/englishlanguagecoachryan 