ABOARD ABROAD: AUSTRALIA
Hoy bloke, let your work speak for itself
The fact that they prefer to be called Aussies is an affirmation of their acceptance of the language of shortcuts. For a first-timer, their pronunciation and intonation patterns could sound pretty complicated. Ending the sentences in high pitch leaves one wondering if it is a question or a full stop.
As informal is their conversation, so is their work culture. The fundamental belief in dignity of labour draws equal respect to all works. Of late, the country is in news for alleged racial attacks on Indians, but Indians working there dispel the racial tag as a myth. For, they feel Aussies are quite accommodative and respect immigrants from across the world.
“Australians aren't racist but are sensitive to their environment. In offices, there is no `sir' culture. Bosses are referred by name as every one holds strong conviction for equal employment opportunity,” says Vivek Gupta, electrical engineer with Master's in IT from UTS, Sydney.
As people out there expect one's work to speak for itself, they are not overwhelmed by your position, title or status. Moreover, they work to live and not the other way.
From his three-year experience in Australia, Atul Surana, program manager, PATNI, says: “Culturally, Australians are quite egalitarian in their outlook so it is much better to be seen as a 'good bloke' or a 'good mate' than somebody who is overtly proud of themselves.” The weekly working hours expected from an employee range to about 37 hours. In case of over timing, an employee is paid for the extra hours of work.
The country that has assimilated a myriad culture is far from having one single tradition. But, there is an instant connect when it comes to food. Everyone loves a simple steak on a backyard barbeque. Being one among the largest consumers of meat, Australians prefer chicken, duck, goose, turkey, quail and guinea fowl. Vegans are lucky to have Indian restaurants serving simple delicacies of rice and spinach. Frequent dining out could be heavy on pockets, although the extra expense is worth trying. And for those party lovers, beer goes hand-in-hand with beach, and Australia has no shortage of either. But smokers beware, though not illegal, smoking has many restrictions in public places.
“The culture of sports and the outdoors is a great way to assimilate into the fabric of society here. Like India, people here are also family oriented and one can see large family outings. In that respect, Australia is a very 'outdoorsy' country,” says Atul.
When in public places there are some minor observations that need some extra thrust like maintaining a low decibel level. It is not advisable to keep cash on the counter in a retail counter. Instead hand it over to the cashier. Also, using earphone to listen to music is a kind of mandatory while in a public transport.
Kalashri, search quality analyst at Yahoo, who has just returned to Bangalore from Melbourne, feels Australians are quite friendly. “The best part of my stay was that I could befriend many Chinese, Malaysians and others. The bad part was that it is not your country.”
Lingua Franca
G'day: Hello or Good day
You right: Do u need assistance
Good on ya!: Well done
See ya later: see u later
Bikkie : biscuit
Barbie : barbecue
Chewie : chewing gum
Dipstick : a loser, idiot
Footie: football
Arvo: afternoon
THE APPETIZER
Kangaroo and water buffalo are often in menus of restaurants in South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian capital territory. The taste is similar to venison but less gamey
WEATHER WARNING
It is important to protect yourself from sunburns. You may want to wear a wide brimmed hat and use 30+ sunscreen, as high UV levels and skin damage occurs fast, especially mid day.
WHAT TO WEAR
For women, almost any clothing is acceptable if it steers clear of indecency. For men, pants or shorts are the norm.
Posts
