Australia in 100 Words

 Australia in 100 Words

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       October 1, 2024

 

Author  Dr Amanda Laugesen

Distributor:      New South Books
ISBN:                 9781742237909
Publisher:         UNSW Press
Release Date:   October 2024  

Website:    https://unsw.press/books/australia-in-100-words/ 

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What a fascinating story Australia in 100 Words has to tell. It will be of great interest to those who enjoy the History of Australia, the language of Australia and the derivation of words. In quite a clever compilation, the author has outlined all these elements with careful and thorough research. As she is the director of the Australian National Dictionary Centre and chief editor of the Australian National Dictionary: Australian words and their origins, Amanda Laugesen is the perfect person to complete this book.

It is beautiful in its logic as the first word we deal with is Deep Time. This looks at the beginning of time on our planet. From the big bang and the gradual changes, the earth has undergone, to the movement of the land masses and the final resting place of Australia, rocks and seas have formed our land. Minmi is the next word in our timeline and is described as a “small, armoured dinosaur” whose fossilised remains have been found.

Gradually we move through time; great respect and inclusion has been shown to the Indigenous people. Their language has been shown to have infiltrated the European language as have their stories which incorporate law and ritual. The word Country is explained and its relevance to Indigenous people. Next comes the words New Holland and again we look into the history of the early explorers of Australia.

Moving through time words such as Bushranger, Overland, Down Under, and Illywhacker, are discussed and explained. Also words such as Habib, Democracy Sausage, and The Voice are examined. To complete the book, the author has written a chapter on “The Future of Australian English.” She feels that the language will continue to evolve and grow and while some words such as Bonzer and Cobber may be heard less, other words will take their place.

Australia in 100 Words is an engaging book to read and would make a great gift to anyone from overseas. The layout of the book lends it to be picked up at any place and read.

History, Non Fiction