I've recently noticed a few comments springing up about language, and the proper use there of. John had issues with Joe's punctuation, I had something to say about Mum's luv ov txt spk, and Garry had some observations on the NZ dialect - most of it pretty well founded (which is a bit rich coming from an Aussie mate, mate).
Anyway - it got me thinking about the differences between NZ English and our own Queens English. Here are a few of the main ones:
Eh! after a statement of the obvious (thus answering your own question). E.g. - nice weather today eh!?, thats a fancy looking sheep eh!?
Chaps (or chappies) - for crisps or chips
Brew - used when addressing a friend (as in brother). e.g. nice bike brew, eh!?
As - e.g. hot as eh brew. 'As' can be added to anything (much like 'innit') to show an extreme of. Cold as, hot as, wet as, bold as.
Kia Ora - NZ is officially has two languages, Maori and English. English is obviously predominant but Maori is definitely a big thing amongst, erm, Maoris obviously, but also in play groups (Buster already knows a couple of Maori songs and words as well a pretty fierce Hakka). News presenters wish you good morning and good night in Maori and there are two or three Maori only TV stations. Its pretty cool actually but the way they pronounce their vowels is completely different, which I think has helped make the NZ accent so distinctive. Oh yeah, and a Wh makes F so Whakatane would be Fakatane.
Thats it for now - but if you want to see a Aussie mickey take on the NZ accent check out this YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdVHZwI8pcA&feature=related
Laters Brew
