June 29, 2026

Listening to English in Melbourne

I can’t listen to fast spoken English!!

I arrived in Australia on 10 June 2026. I’m living right now in Melbourne CBD. It’s been over 2 weeks already… I can’t catch fast spokenEnglish well! Especially Aussie accents!

In Japan, I can talk to Japanese classmates and understand their English without problems, so I didn’t realized my English skills were lacking. How stupid… I can talk to non-native English speakers, who are maybe so kind to adjust their English to my level. However, I don’t understand native English at all.

Unlike Tokyo, Aussie easily talk to me, but I don’t understand them and can’t reply soon. Probably, people in the same city are mates for Aussie. That’s really good culture. I’d like to get used to it.

Started watching Aussie English

So, I started watching this youtube channel, Aussie English, a few days ago.

He speaks clearly, so I can understand him without subtitles.

There are a lot of unknown words and phrases for me in this channel. I’ll keep watching them and increase my Aussie vocabulary.

My former coworker’s advice

I asked my former coworker for advice on LINE today’s morning. He’ve experienced going to some countries on a working holiday, including Australia. Although it’s Monday today, he replied kindly.

He taught me followings.

• Volume matters. Speak and listen more.
• Get a feel for the rhythm and flow of English.

I focused too much on grammar and vocabulary. I’m only using my left brain. However, I realized I needed to use my right brain! That approach is like memorising songs and lyrics. I’m familiar with that because I’m Japanese and love going to karaoke(I mean, I love singing songs!).

Sound is first, understand is next. That’s how I understood it. From now on, I’ll keep that in mind as I learn English.