Austral English

"Austral English" by Edward Ellis Morris is a dictionary of Australasian words, phrases, and usages written in the late 19th century. The work compiles the unique vocabulary that has developed in Australasia, including the contributions of Aboriginal Australian and Māori languages, as well as scientific terms that have originated in the region. The overall aim of the dictionary is to highlight the distinctive features of the English language as it is spoken in Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. The opening of "Austral English" introduces the origin of the work, stemming from a request by Dr. James Murray to contribute local vernacular to the Oxford English Dictionary. Morris provides a historical context, mentioning the perceived inadequacies of existing dictionaries in capturing the nuances of Australasian English while outlining his methodology for collecting words and phrases. He emphasizes the necessity of documenting not only new words but also the local adaptations of English terms that arise from the unique flora, fauna, and cultural influences of the region. This serves to establish the importance of this dictionary as a significant linguistic resource, bridging connections between various languages and the English vernaculars adopted in Australasia.

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