There’s nothing to panic about when an Australian tells you, “Hey! How are you?”   This is just their casual form of greeting. For most, it isn’t an actual question about your current disposition. Just tell them “I’m good,” return the same ‘ how are you’ greeting and you should be fine mate! To get more idea, here are several tips on how it is best to communicate in Australia:

Language Skills
Australia actually has no specific spoken language. English is considered their national language despite taking influences from around 160 other languages. Don’t be surprised by the English accent of Australians. Although their 2011 census reported that 76.8% of them speak English at home, their English accent remains unique among the other non-native English speakers, while their vocabulary use is rich and is different. While Australian English and British English may be seen as similar, the Aussies have a rich dialect known as “strine.” Don’t get confused with their word-tweaking, vowel-skipping, hyperboles, and rude-sounding expressions. These are normal use of language in Australia and you’ll definitely get along with it well.

Body Language
Like many other countries, a firm handshake with matching eye contact is a common gesture in introducing yourself for the first time. Should you be meeting an Aussie for the first time, you may want to initiate a personal introduction of your name, instead of waiting for another Aussie to have you introduced. It may also be understood that as you mingle with Australians, you’ll get to know them more, so no need for an introduction or handshaking the next time around. If you feel like you’ve found your first Aussie friend, hugging, and back-slapping are warm gestures, this also indicates how comfortable the locals are already to a foreigner.

Topics for Discussion
Aussies are cool, relaxed, and laid-back people, this makes them acceptable to many sorts of conversations. To establish a good discussion with a local, try bringing up light subjects like movies you’ve watched recently, the sceneries that have amazed you so far, the best beach you’ve seen in their country, or maybe a glimpse of how you’ll be spending your weekend. You’ll see how welcoming they can be in giving numerous suggestions about other amazing spots you can go to and activities you may enjoy.

In conversing with an Aussie you met for the first time, you may also want to break the ice by asking how they are. Once they’ve given you an answer, feel free to share how your trip has been. When the locals continue to mingle with you, that means they want to know you more, so try introducing more about yourself by starting off with the highlights of your trip or the purpose of your visit. However, the agenda of your visit may be the most personal thing you can share with a person you met for the first time. You should avoid topics that are too personal such as religion, sex, current status, number of children, or family background. The locals may keep their guards up during the entire talk with a line of questioning that is at a very personal level. Try to keep it cool and positive, the locals love that kind of vibe. Aussies are very warm and friendly people, although it may take time to understand their humor, just pick the right conversation starter and you’ll soon get the hang of it! And take note, never mimic the Australian accent, and don’t you ever try hard to blend in by using the word ‘G’day!’