When Making Foreign Friends:

Noosa, Queensland

Australia

YOU WILL BEGIN TO SPEAK LIKE THEM

“I make picture?” (German English)

Translation “I’ll take a picture” (American English)

“I can’t be asked to walk up that hill” (British English)

Translation “There's no way I'm walking up that hill” (American English)

“Aww mate, what’s wrong?” (British/Australian English)

Translation “Dude, what’s up?” (Californian English)

And my favorite, “How ya goin'?” (Australian English)

I don’t know what this means exactly; but this expression is widely used. I usually respond “I’m well, thanks.” But lately, I've taken to trying to beat them to the punch. So like if I walk into a shop, I'll ask the salesman, "How ya goin'?" before he can ask me. You run the risk of coming off overly friendly, but no complaints yet.

ENTIRE MEALS AND SOMETIMES NIGHTS PASS WHEN NO ONE UTTERS AN ENGLISH WORD

Unfortunately I have no examples. Inherently, I could not understand what they were talking about.

EXPECT TO BE MISUNDERSTOOD OR IGNORED COMPLETELY

Once my hostelmates and I were walking to the beach when I overheard a nearby girl talking about horses. I inquired, "Do you like horseback riding?" To which she replied, "I don't know where beach is." Fist of all, that just wasn't my question. Second, really? Because were walking towards it.

Another time at the canoeing camp, my partner and I had just pulled onto shore. I asked, "Hey would you mind taking the front of the canoe?" To which, not only did she not respond, but instead walked up the shore and bought and ice cream. It's okay, I'm "strong like ox."

MOST DIFFERENCES ARE QUICKLY BLURRED BY A GLASS OF THE CHEAPEST BEER OR WINE AVAILABLE

Fortunately, the English speaking world likes to party. And buying the next round is next to godliness.

REACTIONS THAT STILL SURPRISE ME

"You're accent is so strong."

"Where in Canada are you from?"