20 January 2003
The National Museum of Australia is celebrating Australia Day with a fair dinkum book launch complete with pavlovas and lamingtons, backpackers and Aussie English.
Aussie English for Beginners, published by the National Museum, explores the origins and meanings of common Aussie words and expressions with definitions provided by the Australian National University's Australian National Dictionary Centre and cartoons by award-winning Canberra cartoonist David Pope.
EDITORS: COPIES OF CARTOONS & WORDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION.
It is the second book in a series based on the popular display in the Museum's gallery, Nation: Symbols of Australia, curated by Guy Hansen.
'The display and now books about the curious origins of so much of Australian English provide a wonderful window into our identity and culture', said National Museum Director, Dawn Casey. 'So if you want to spit the dummy over a tall poppy, then Aussie English for Beginners is the book for you!'
Aussie English for Beginners will be launched at 11am this Friday, January 24 in the Friends Lounge of the National Museum.
Media are welcome to attend.
Cartoonist David Pope and Dr Bruce Moore, Director of the Australian National Dictionary Centre, will discuss the book and before supper overseas visitors to Canberra Backpackers will be quizzed on the peculiar meanings of Aussie English.
Aussie English for Beginners, published by the Museum, will be available for sale in its shop at $14.95. Books One and Two will be offered at a discount price of $12 each on Friday.
For interviews or media copies please contact Martin Portus at the National Museum on 02 6208 5351 or 0409 916 481 or email m.portus@nma.gov.au