CROSS CULTURE: AN

AUSTRALIAN
PERSPECTIVE
Ns. Suryanto, S.Kep., M.Nurs., PhD.
School of Nursing
Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya
2020
Content
• Informal Speaking and Body Language
• Norms and Beliefs
• Lifestyle and Clothing
• Rule, Administration, and Transportation
INFORMAL SPEAKING
AND BODY LANGUAGE
Informal Speaking
• Australia is one of the very few cultures in which humour is pervasive
• Australians are generally laid back, open and direct in their style of
communication.
• They are less formal
• They are usually quite direct in expressing their point of view and expect others to
do likewise
Informal Speaking – The Use of slang
• Arvo = afternoon • Mozzie = mosquito
• Uni = University • Roo = kangaroo
• Brekkie = breakfast • Sickie = sick day
• Chook = chicken • Ute = utility vehicle, pickup truck
• Maccas = McDonalds (the fast food restaurant) • Tradie = a tradesman
• Ta = thank you • Straya = Australia
• Barbie = BBQ • Footy + Australian football
• Mate/Mike = friend • Biccy = biscuit
• Garbo = garbage • Lappy = lap-top
• Facey = facebook • Ambo = ambulance
• No Worries = no need to be worried • Avo = avocado
Body Language
• The thumbs-up gesture can be interpreted by some as rude
• To indicate approval or agreement, it is more common to make a circle with the
thumb and forefinger with the other fingers extended
• A firm, friendly handshake with a warm smile is the customary greeting
• Women friends may hug and kiss when greeting each other
• Between men, a quick pat on the back is considered normal if they are close friends
• Being respectful of personal space when talking to people is the expected norm
• Queuing is an important etiquette. Never barge in or jump into a line. Always go
politely to the end and wait your turn
NORMS AND BELIEFS
Norms and Beliefs (1)
• Australia is an accepting, diverse society with people from many different cultures and
ethnic backgrounds
• Australians are fairly informal so greetings are casual and relaxed
• Most topics of discussion are acceptable within reason as Australians are genuine and
quite grounded. Safe and neutral topics include professional experience, family,
sports, place of origin and travel experiences
• Conversations focusing on politics, religion or sexuality should usually be avoided on
the first meeting
• Australians are not shy; they are outgoing and enjoy meeting new people
• Australians have a wonderful sense of humour which can sometimes include sarcasm
Australian Diversities
Norms and Beliefs (2)
• The common values of Australian society aim to include tolerance and understanding
towards people regardless of gender, race, class, religion or ethnicity
• In most practical ways, Australia is an egalitarian society in that there are no formal class
distinctions
• Australians take punctuality seriously. If possible, arrive fifteen minutes early for a
business meeting
• Men and women are treated equally in Australia
• Although Christianity remains the dominant belief system in Australia, its civic voice has
faded significantly
• Aboriginal people in Australia are the custodians of one of the oldest continuous living
cultures in the world
Aboriginal people
LIFESTYLE AND
CLOTHING
Lifestyle (1)
• Australia has a high cost of living
• Known for the outback, its vibrant cities and beautiful beaches
• The "Australian Broadcasting Corporation" (ABC), is a public broadcaster modeled
after The BBC
• Australians love their icons: Australian pie, vegemite on toast, Kylie Minogue,
Milo, damper (a wheat flour-based loaf traditionally cooked in the ashes of a fire
by settlers)
• Australian chefs are known worldwide for their "fusion cuisine," a blending of
European cooking traditions with Asian flavors and products
Bondi beach – Sydney
Brighton beach – Melbourne
Lifestyle (2)
• Australia is not renowned for its traditional cuisine of meat pies and fish and chips.
While Australians were long known as tea drinkers, coffee and wine have become
increasingly popular
• Australians are known around the world as lovers of the great outdoors and they
are known to have a passionate sporting culture
• Australians like to relax actively by bush-walking, skiing, surfing, sailing,
swimming, or any other activity that takes them into the sun and open air
including their backyards around barbeques and the beach
• In summer, cricket and tennis are the dominant sports and in the winter months,
the sport of football becomes an obsession
Damper
Footy
Footy
Australian Open
Clothing
• Australians wear fashions similar those worn by Europeans and North Americans
• Australians tend to dress rather conservatively in business environments.
• More informal attire is often preferred if when working outside the major cities.
• Australia has a very hot climate for much of the year and especially in summer.
During summer, the business jacket can be removed.
• Try to avoid excessive jewelry and accessories which may be viewed as too 'flashy'
and therefore unprofessional
• Less formal university environment
 RULE,
ADMINISTRATION, AND
TRANSPORTATION
Rule
• Informal rules:
• Avoid discussions about the treatment of the aboriginal people.
• Don’t comment on anyone's accent. Accents often distinguish social class
• Do not sniff or blow your nose in public
• When invited to an Australian’s home, bring a small gift (flowers, chocolates, or
books about your home country or region) for your hosts
• BYO = Bring your own = plate to share = please bring food to be shared
Administration
• Online system
• Visa and Immigration requirements
• Stamps are used rarely
• E-sign is acceptable
• Email is considered as formal communication
• Expensive fines – bills will be sent to the house – pay online
Speed Camera
Transportation
• Public transport is very convenient: bus, train, tram
• On time schedule
• Online system
Timetable
Bus
Train
Tram
Myki Card
THANK YOU
Practice Session
• Group of three students
• Choose between:
• USA
• Middle East
• Taiwan
• Japan
• India
• Task:
• Do searching regarding cross culture
• Need to be discussed, max two of these topics:
• Informal speaking
• Body language
• Norms and Belief
• Lifestyle
• Clothing’s
• Submit via online – vlm2, Due 2 December 23.59?