ABSTRACT
After an overview concentrated on the larger processes behind lexical variation in AusE, the chapter explores regional variations and heteronyms that were part of interview and questionnaire picture prompt tasks. The analysis reveals that the regional variations are differently recognised and understood. Discussion of heteronyms touches on Discourses of “Americanisation” and “Britishness” but also sees reanalysis of forms as having different referents. Trademarks are discussed for their role in talk of distinctive Australian English vocabulary but also their reoccurrence in discourse surrounding national identity. Address terms are explored because of their mention and social evaluations by interviewees and also the important role they play in creating stances and contexts in their voicings. The findings demonstrate that folklinguists, far from just inventing lexical differences, have highly complex understandings of lexical variation and its meanings.
