A Comparative-Linguistic Analysis of Australian and New Zealand English

Résumé

This study examines linguistic similarities and differences between Australian English (AusE) and New Zealand English (NZE), focusing on phonology, lexicon, and sociolinguistic attitudes. Drawing on corpus data, phonetic analysis, and attitudinal surveys, the research identifies both shared features—such as non-rhoticity and a common colonial origin—and distinguishing characteristics, including vowel quality, region-specific vocabulary, and the integration of Indigenous terms. NZE exhibits centralized KIT and raised DRESS vowels, while AusE demonstrates broader diphthongs and lengthened FACE vowels. Lexical distinctions reflect cultural and historical influences, with Māori borrowings in NZE and informal slang in AusE signaling social and national identity. Survey data indicate that speakers perceive their accents as markers of belonging, personality, and cultural affiliation. These findings illustrate how closely related English varieties can diverge through phonetic innovation, lexical adaptation, and sociocultural factors, contributing to national identity while maintaining mutual intelligibility. The study provides insights into language evolution in postcolonial contexts.