the butterfly effect

Linguists say Australian youth talk like Americans

He said one of the most notable differences in pronunciations was the emphasis put on the first syllable of a word.

“We’re now hearing DIS-tribute, RE-search and CIG-arette quite regularly. This is an American pattern we are starting to pick up and follow.”

It was not just pronunciations that were being Americanised but our spelling, vocabulary and grammar as well, he said.

“We’re seeing more and more examples of American words used in place of Australian words such as sidewalk for footpath and park brake, instead of handbrake,” Professor Sussex said. 

“There is a service centre at Hervey Bay spelt ‘center’ and a ‘fitness center’ on the way to Cleveland.

I know this isn’t really anything new, although it is becoming more insidious, without a doubt…and there is the argument that linguistics are elastic and ever evolving, but still makes me sad. 

We are losing our cultural identity.  Sigh.

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