Customer Reviews

Personal Kiwi-Yankee Dictionary, A

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

By defining English words and phrases unique to New Zealand, author Leland effectively describes at least a bit about New Zealanders and New Zealand culture also--and his affection for them, and for language, comes across well. Provides a look at the country and people through examination of their use of language. Humorous, good-natured, informative, and very enjoyable, I was given this book by a friend and just wish it were longer and updated to include any recent additions.

This is too much fun. To be able to learn a language for travelthat is only a slang slant to your own. Already the little guide hashelped to acclimate me to telephone and chat line conversation for the lands down under. The book is fun and informative and easy. To be informed makes the trip so much more fun for me from start to finish. And as usual I have found this guide nowhere else in the major local bookstores. But on line its here at my door to have read before I leave on my vacation. This book is quite entertaining just to read if you just want to be familiar with the culture of a very unique and friendly land. If I had not seen it for sale at Amazon . Com I would never have imagined such a special guide was available for purchase.

Even if you don't plan a trip to New Zealand in the near future, you can read this book and spice up your vocabulary. I've rated it four stars instead of five merely because it's now eleven years old.

NZ slang evolves quite quickly, partly due to the prevalence of what's known as the Big OE--the big overseas experience, where young Kiwis take off for England and the Continent for a period of years, some never to return. This foreign immersion results in the inclusion of English slang expressions into the NZ idiom.

As a 30-year expatriate Kiwi, I found myself enjoying again the colorful language I heard and used in my youth. A new edition would be greatly appreciated, and a must for every traveler planning on spending more than a couple of weeks in NZ.

This book is dated (c.1975) sexist, racist and vulgar. Be warned if you are a woman, a person of color or have anything approaching a 21st century sensibility.
Sample quote: "bum - is what you sit on. Les femmes in New Zealand appear to have an unusually high proportion of broad ones and sturdy legs to match. Pioneer heritage?"
Not my idea of amusing.
If you want to find out about New Zealand, there are many websites that will give you a clearer idea of the place and the people than this book.

I am a kiwi living in the states and bought this book to see what its like. Pretty cool although a lot of the words in the book arent typical of just New Zealanders. Recommended to tourists visitng New Zealand if they want to pick up native lingo. Book in good condition also.

Although not required for understanding New Zealanders, this dictionary is great for getting acquainted the local slang. It is written in a way that talks to you. I found some of the definitions to be very funny!!