Language

I had a meeting with Cameron’s teacher yesterday, they called it a “parent interview” which is the same as a parent/teacher conference. We had a nice talk about Cameron’s progress, etc. I asked her if there is any issue with Cameron’s accent, or if any of the kids notice he is different, she said not in any way. She then went on to tell me that the other day he said something so Australian, and not just the words, but the way he said it (of course she could not remember what it was at the time) so apparently he is fitting right in. I wonder how it will be for him when we go back to the States.

Yesterday I was listening to Cameron and Jake talk while they were playing, and apparently Cameron understands Jake better than even I do. Jake was saying something and I could not figure out what it was, Cameron asked him what and after Jake repeated it, he understood. The bond of brothers!

The last couple of times I have been asked where I am from, they haven’t automatically assumed that I am from Canada – finally! I don’t think I sound Canadian? Not that there’s anything wrong with that…..

 Ta-maah-toe and pa-taah-toe, it just feels so pretentious to say those words that way and I have to draw the line somewhere. I doubt people from England or Australia living in the US are changing the way they say those words, right? And the letter Z? It is pronounced ZEE, not ZED. I’m sticking with that one as well.  

Who knew that there was more to Australian language than just “G’day Mate”, and “put a shrimp on the barbie!” The funny thing: they don’t even call them shrimp, they are all called prawns.