Лексико-стилістичні та фонетичні особливості австралійського варіанту англійської мови у контексті лінгвокраїнознавчих дисциплін

Abstract

The article deals with the process of formation and development of the Australian English language, characterizes its present-day lexical, stylistic and phonetic features. It has been found out that the Australian variety of the English language was formed as a result of interaction and development of dialects, colloquialisms, slang, through which the first settlers and emigrants from Great Britain, the United States and other countries of the world communicated. As far as everyday vocabulary is concerned, Australian English shares words and phrases with both British and American English, but also has some terminology of its own. Some elements of Aboriginal languages were incorporated into Australian English, mainly as names for the indigenous flora and fauna, as well as extensive borrowings for place names. Australian English has its own characteristic lexical and stylistic features such as a small number of words from Aboriginal languages; formation of new lexical units by extending pre-existing meanings of words; novel compounds; novel fixed phrases; coinage of lexical units; application of vocabulary from British regional dialects; unique means of imagery (metaphors and similes) that reflect the national Australian authenticity. The most common ways of forming Australian slang vocabulary have been described. A unique set of diminutive forms and abbreviations in Australian English has been exemplified. Australianisms have been defined as words or phrases that either originated or acquired new meanings in Australia and are widely used in everyday Australian English. Australians have a distinct accent, which varies between social classes and is sometimes claimed to vary from state to state, although this is disputed. The difference between the three major Australian accents (Broad Australian, General Australian, and Cultivated Australian) has been highlighted. Cultivated Australian is considered to be closely approaching British Received Pronunciation and Broad Australian – vigorously exhibiting distinctive regional features.