Omari Gates
Creating an Australian character requires more than just a stereotypical portrayal. While slang and accent can be important, they are not the only defining features. To make an Australian character, consider their backstory, motivations, flaws, and how they grow and change throughout the story. Focus on their individual personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, ensuring they feel three-dimensional and real to the reader. Avoid clichés and caricatures by exploring their emotional responses and how these drive the plot. Additionally, be mindful of their level of education, occupation, and associations, as these influence their language and behaviour. Finally, to ensure authenticity, conduct thorough research by reading Australian literature, watching Australian media, and understanding cultural nuances.
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What You'll Learn
Use Australian slang, but avoid stereotypes
When creating an Australian character, it's important to remember that, as with any nationality, they are first and foremost an individual. Their Australian-ness should not be their only defining feature.
To make your character authentic, it's a good idea to give them a backstory and a personality that stretches beyond the story itself. This will help inform their decisions and motivations. For example, are they making progress towards their goals or are they making things worse? Do they learn new skills, gain a fresh perspective, or make new relationships that lead to their success?
When it comes to language, Aussies tend to shorten/contract words, use informal and colloquial terms, and drop parts of sentences as though they're implied. For example, they might use "bloody" to add emphasis or "she'll be apples" to say something will be alright. They also tend to make nicknames by shortening multi-syllabic names and adding an "-a/ah", "-o", "-zza", "-y", or "-sy", e.g. "David" becomes "Davo".
However, be careful not to fall into the trap of using too much slang, as this can make your character sound like a stereotype. The amount of slang your character uses will depend on their level of education, occupation, and who they associate with. For example, a character with a high level of education might use less slang than a character from a rural area.
To get a feel for Australian language and culture, it's recommended to read Australian books and watch Australian TV shows and movies. It's also a good idea to have at least one Aussie as a test reader to ensure your character isn't acting too American.
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Understand the Australian accent and its variations
The Australian accent has several variations, which are broadly classified into three types: broad, general, and cultivated.
The broad Australian accent is the one that is most recognizable to non-Australian English speakers, as it is often the accent used in non-Australian media. It is historically associated with the working class and is prevalent nationwide, but especially in rural areas. This accent is characterized by a slower speech pattern, longer diphthongs (two vowels combined to form one sound, like in "join" or "loud"), and a more nasal tone. For example, the word “kite” sounds more like "koite" in this accent. Well-known examples of people with this accent include Steve Irwin, Paul Hogan, and former Prime Ministers Julia Gillard, Bob Hawke, and John Howard.
The general Australian accent is the most commonly used accent today and is what you will hear in Australian-made media. It is less of a drawl than the broad accent but still has distinctive pronunciation differences from other varieties of English, such as British English. This accent is especially prominent in urban Australia and is used as the standard language for Australian films, television programs, and advertising. Notable speakers of this accent include Hugh Jackman, Rose Byrne, Rebel Wilson, Chris Hemsworth, and Eric Bana.
The cultivated Australian accent has been influenced by British Received Pronunciation and is associated with higher social class or education. While it was once more common, it has been fading out of use. Speakers with a cultivated accent tend to speak slower, with more enunciated vowels and a monotonous tone. Examples of people with this accent include Cate Blanchett, Lisa Gerrard, Geoffrey Rush, and former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.
It is important to note that these classifications are not rigid, and there is a continuum of accents within Australia, influenced by factors such as social class, education, and geographical background. For example, there is an approximate correlation between latitude and accent along the East Coast, with more northern accents tending to be more nasal and broad. Additionally, the second generation of immigrants to Australia may have distinct accents, influenced by the languages of their heritage. For example, Chinese-Australian English has adopted some expressions from Mandarin/Cantonese, such as the exclamation "aiyah!" or "aiyoh!".
When creating an Australian character, it is important to avoid stereotypes and caricatures. While slang can be used to indicate a character's background, occupation, or level of education, it should be used sparingly and in a way that is relevant to the context of the story. Additionally, when an Australian character has moved to another country, they may adapt their language to fit their new environment, using less slang or localized words.
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Be mindful of the character's background, education, and occupation
When creating an Australian character, it is important to be mindful of their background, education, and occupation. These factors will influence the way they speak and act, and help to avoid creating a caricature.
Australia, like any other country, has a range of accents and dialects that vary depending on the region and the character's background. For example, the accent and slang of someone from Queensland will be different from someone from Victoria. The character's background might also influence their occupation, especially if they come from a family with a history in a particular industry. For instance, the history of Australia includes the story of the Aboriginal Tasmanians, who were isolated from the mainland around 14,000 years ago, and the arrival of pastoralists from Van Diemen's Land in 1834.
Education is another important factor that will influence your character's speech and behaviour. The Australian education system offers a wide range of study options, including government and private schools, as well as tertiary education and vocational training. The character's level of education will impact the way they speak and the types of occupations they pursue. For example, a character with a university education might use more formal language than someone who completed their education at a trade school.
In terms of occupation, consider what skills your character has and how their occupation fits into the Australian context. The Skilled Occupation List (SOL) summarises the occupations that Australia needs to fill skill shortages, so this could be a good place to start when deciding on your character's occupation. It's also worth noting that not all Australians speak with the same level of slang or use stereotypical phrases. Their occupation might influence the way they speak and the types of slang or technical language they use.
Remember, the key is to create a well-rounded character that feels authentic. By considering their background, education, and occupation, you can add depth to their personality and ensure they sound and act like a real Australian.
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Avoid Americanisms, but note that some are adopted by Aussies
Australian English has long been influenced by American English, dating back to the 19th century when the gold rush brought American slang to the country. The influence of American culture on Australia, particularly through "talking pictures", has also contributed to the adoption of Americanisms in Australian English. While some Aussies resist the "Americanisation" of their language, others recognise that many "Americanisms" are not exclusively American and have been used in Australia for a long time.
To minimise Americanisms in your Australian character, pay attention to spelling, vocabulary, and grammar. For example, use British/Australian spelling conventions such as 'colour' instead of 'color', 'realise' instead of 'realize', and 'organise' instead of 'organize'. Familiarise yourself with Australian terms and phrases, such as using 'petrol' instead of 'gasoline', 'biscuit' instead of 'cookie', and 'boot' instead of 'trunk'. Be mindful of uniquely Australian slang and colloquialisms, such as 'ute' for a pickup truck, 'bottle-o' for a liquor store, and 'servo' for a service or petrol station.
It's worth noting that the use of slang in Australia varies based on factors like education level, occupation, and geographical background. Rural Aussies tend to use more slang than their urban counterparts, and certain phrases are unique to specific regions. Additionally, Aussies tend to shorten words and names, often adding an "a", "o", "zza", "y", or "sy" to create nicknames, like 'Macca' for 'McKenzie' or 'Damo' for 'Damien'.
While avoiding Americanisms is important, don't fall into the trap of overusing Australian slang to compensate. Focus on writing well-rounded characters, and remember that an Australian character's speech and mannerisms will be influenced by their individual background and context, not just their nationality.
Finally, consider the context of your character's situation. If they are an Australian who has moved to the US, they might make an effort to tone down their Australianisms and use more general language to avoid confusion. On the other hand, if they want to emphasise their Australian identity, they might lean into the slang and unique phrases.
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Focus on the individual, not just their country of origin
When creating a character, it's important to remember that they are more than just their country of origin. While cultural background is important, it's the unique traits, motivations, and experiences that will bring your character to life.
Backstory and Personality
Give your character a rich backstory that goes beyond their Australian heritage. Explore their fears, weaknesses, motivations, and goals. Consider their contradictions and flaws, as these will make them more relatable and three-dimensional. For example, your character might be impulsive, overly confident, or reckless, which could influence their decisions and interactions with others.
Individual Traits and Quirks
Focus on the little things that make your character unique. Do they have any obsessive-compulsive tendencies or unique mannerisms? Are they a "blokey-bloke" or a "battler," always working hard to make a living? Do they have a unique sense of fashion or any interesting hobbies?
Relationships and Interactions
Develop relationships and interactions with other characters. How does your Australian character relate to their family, friends, or romantic interests? Do they have any pets? Are they a "larrikin," always playing pranks, or are they more reserved and introspective? Consider how their Australian background might influence their relationships, but remember that individuals within a culture can vary greatly.
Language and Slang
When it comes to language, avoid stereotypes and overused slang. While some Australianisms like "G'day," "mate," and "bloody" might be appropriate, excessive slang can make your character seem inauthentic. Consider your character's education, occupation, and associates, as these will influence their language more than their country of origin.
Remember, the key is to create a well-rounded, three-dimensional character that feels real to your readers. By focusing on their individual traits, experiences, and relationships, you'll create an Australian character that goes beyond stereotypes and connects with your audience.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian accent varies depending on the region and the character's age, class, and education. For example, the broad accent is more common among older characters, while younger characters are more likely to have a "general" accent. To get a sense of how an "average Aussie" sounds, you can watch podcasts like "Toni and Ryan" or "We Got The Chocolates". It may also be helpful to watch Australian TV shows and take notes on the accent.
The slang your character uses will depend on their age, region, class, and education level. For example, older Australians use more slang than younger Australians, and slang varies by region. Rural Aussies tend to have their own distinctive phrases, including some variations of rhyming slang that is also used in the UK. Some examples of Australian slang include "ute" (pickup truck), "bottle-o" (liquor store), "servo" (service/petrol station), "the shops" (any centralised marketplace), "hoon" (reckless driver), and "booze bus" (roadside randomised breath testing). Aussies also tend to use shortened nicknames, such as "Macca" for McKenzie or "Damo" for Damien.
Australians tend to use back slapping instead of fist bumping, which is more common in the US. They also tend to have a higher tolerance for extreme heat.
Avoid using overly stereotypical Australian phrases like "crikey", and be careful with your use of slang to avoid making your character sound like a caricature. Remember that individuals are more than just their country of origin, so make sure to focus on your character's unique personality traits and behaviours, not just their Australianness. It's also a good idea to have an Australian test reader to make sure your character doesn't sound too American.
