The Sounds of Aus (2007)

The Sounds of Aus Poster

The Sounds of Aus tells the story of the Australian accent: how it came about, how it has evolved over two hundred years of colonial and cultural history, and how it is today.

Summary
"The Sounds of Aus" is a documentary film from 2007 that checks out the unique features of the Australian accent and its history. The movie, directed by David Swann, is an important resource for those thinking about linguistics and Australian culture.

Objective of the Documentary
The objective of the documentary is to unwind the origin and evolution of the Australian accent. It explores how the unique Australian dialect has turned into one of the basic aspects of Australian identity. Including a variety of interviews with pundits, historians, and well-known Australians, the film provides an extensive and detailed perspective on the subject.

Staggered History Across Different Cultures
"The Sounds of Aus" illustrates the impact of native languages, the colonial English and Irish convicts, among others, have actually had in establishing the Australian accent. It clarifies how these different accents developed into what we comprehend as the Australian accent today.

Functions of the Australian Accent
Highlighting the characteristic nasal resonance and flattened articulation that distinguishes the Australian accent, the documentary suggests that these distinct features were items of the harsh Australian environment. It postulates that the hot climate and requirement to keep mouths more closed to keep out flies were elements that added to the unique sound of the Australian speech.

Mistaken beliefs and Criticisms
Throughout the movie, the minimal understanding and frequently inaccurate presumptions made about the Australian accent are highlighted. It dispels the often-ridiculed understanding of the Australian dialect as unsophisticated or inferior. The documentary also discuss frequent criticisms, such as the argument that the Australian accent is ending up being 'Americanised,' suggesting that this idea is more to do with cultural stress and anxiety than objective fact.

Notable Interviews
The documentary includes interviews with numerous popular Australians, consisting of previous Prime Minister Bob Hawke, significant linguist David Crystal, historic linguist Kate Burridge, comedian Greig Pickhaver, and writer Kathy Lette. Their inputs and experiences provide a broad and informed discussion on the topic.

In conclusion, "The Sounds of Aus" is a detailed expedition of the Australian accent, its history, and its existence in the Australian identity. Besides providing quantitative information and scholarly perspectives, it also supplies a qualitative understanding through poignant personal anecdotes and interpretations. It underscores the importance of a nation's dialect in specifying its cultural and nationwide identity.

Top Cast

  • John Clarke (small)
    John Clarke
    Self - Presenter
  • Barry Crocker (small)
    Barry Crocker
    Self
  • Santo Cilauro (small)
    Santo Cilauro
    Self
  • Rachel Griffiths (small)
    Rachel Griffiths
    Self
  • Bert Newton (small)
    Bert Newton
    Self
  • Mary-Anne Fahey
    Self
  • Max Gillies
    Self
  • Akmal Saleh (small)
    Akmal Saleh
    Self
  • Denise Scott (small)
    Denise Scott
    Self
  • Bruce Beresford (small)
    Bruce Beresford
    Self
  • Urthboy
    Self