Learning the lingo like a local

Amanda Powell

8 February 2012: University of Canberra international students have tasted Vegemite and learnt some vital Aussie words and phrases such as ‘have a cuppa’, ‘bikkies’ and ‘mate’ during Registration and Orientation Week (ROW).

Approximately 30 international and domestic students took part in the ‘Learning Lingo like a Local’ session held on the Concourse last week.

Student Equity and Outreach Officer Sarah Haslam said the event was held to foster interaction between domestic and international students.

“It was also a great opportunity to highlight to domestic students just how many “Aussie” words and terms are foreign to most of the world, or carry very different meanings,” Ms Haslam said.

Students played Aussie word and draw Pictionery and ‘human bingo’ where they matched up the slang words with pictures carried by student volunteers.

The session ended with a culinary twist as Australian native speakers instructed their international classmates in the art of making such traditional delights as the Vegemite sanga , banana sanga and fairy bread.

Robert Rueda and Molly Carter at the Learning Lingo like a Local session. Photo: Michelle McAulay

Robert Rueda, who is studying a Master of Marketing Communication, said he enjoyed trying new food but he thought Vegemite was a little strong.

“I also tried a banana sandwich, a chip sandwich and bread with sprinkles, I don’t know what it’s called,” the 23-year-old, from South America said.

Education student Molly Carter said she enjoyed the ‘sprinkle sandwich’.

“I tried Vegemite, Vegemite and cheese, a chip sandwich and some kind of sprinkle sandwich. It was good, I liked it,” the 19-year-old from North Carolina, said.

Ms Haslam said the event was a success and they would consider holding it again next year.

“Some students were lucky enough to walk away with packets of Tim Tams in their pockets and Vegemite under their arms- definite staples for uni life!

“Those who participated gave us positive feedback, they enjoyed themselves and the opportunity to meet new people,” she said.