Hi, hullo, howzit, groete, aangename kennis

by Guest Author

Hi, hullo, howzit, groete, aangename kennis, never mind Australian greetings, which could include anything from Hey to Giday!

So you have just arrived in OZ, and expectEnglish to be spokenhere;however,Aussies call a wash cloth a dish cloth and a dish cloth a tea towel, they dont know what just now means, think shame is something bad and ja no is totally contradictory. Aussieshave tea at supper time and supper at 10 pm, which is tea and a biscuit.... how does that work?

It can be all pretty daunting when you are confronted with a new job which usually involves a steep learning curve, yoursupport network is non existent, and the rules, customs and protocols are unfamiliar. Where to live, what car to buy, andwhat school for the kids, are just a few of thedecisions that you face: and at such a huge shift in your life emotions such as anxiety, confusion or vulnerability can creep in.

I am a South African and a Psychologist. I have been here for 20 years, but stillshudder remembering how I felt day one!My hope is that this column will be of some assistance to you as you make this life transition. Based upon my experience, I plan on addressing one topic, and answering one of your questionsper month. If I have an amusing anecdote which highlights the point, I will try to be somewhat light hearted. You are invited to write in and ask a question or request a specific topic. If there are many requests, perhaps I will do something more often.

Lets just see how things pan out!

I look forward to establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with you guys.

Please do communicate with me.

Home