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What Is This 'Mate' of Which You Speak?

Australian government gives immigrants a formal definition

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 27, 2007 6:29 PM CDT
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(Newser) – For its new citizenship test, the Australian government has provided a formal definition of the word "mate." Yes, as in "G'day, mate." A 40-page guide for aspiring Aussies, the brainchild of the immigration minister, defines mateship as the condition “where people help and receive help from others voluntarily, especially in times of adversity."

A mate may be a family member but "can be also a complete stranger," the pamphlet advises. PM John Howard has been trying to formalize matehood since 1999, when he led a failed attempt to insert a definition into the constitution. The new citizenship study booklet also includes background on the Australian obsession with cricket and other helpful information.

The Sydney Opera House, one of the cultural wonders that may come up in 20 random questions about Australian pride for incoming citizens.
The Sydney Opera House, one of the cultural wonders that may come up in 20 random questions about Australian pride for incoming citizens.   (Index Open)
The exam's author, Australia%u2019s Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews, also takes the opportunity to dig into the English, calling them a less sporting people and educating new citizens of the %u201Cimmense pleasure%u201D of England's first Cricket defeat to Australia in 1882.
The exam's author, Australia%u2019s Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews, also takes the opportunity to dig into the English, calling them a less sporting people and educating new citizens of the %u201Cimmense...   (Shutterstock.com)
The exam includes 20 questions ,chosen randomly of a pool of 200, regarding Australia's history, governance and culture, including the nation's love of cricket.
The exam includes 20 questions ,chosen randomly of a pool of 200, regarding Australia's history, governance and culture, including the nation's love of cricket.   (Index Open)
Under the new regulations, applicants for citizenship will need to be residents of four years, up from the previous requirement of three, and take an overhauled exam that asks, among other things, the definition of mateship.
Under the new regulations, applicants for citizenship will need to be residents of four years, up from the previous requirement of three, and take an overhauled exam that asks, among other things, the...   (Shutterstock.com)
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Related Links

The non-mateship parts of the test draw fire
BBC

The citizenship test would probably give some citizens trouble
Age (Aust.)

"I'm sure many of the Aboriginal peoples of Australia would have liked to been included in mateship"
In a Strange Land

Could you pass the test?
Australia's News Network

Just 20 of the 200 possible questions are public
Sydney Morning Herald

 
Australia • John Howard • language • mate • Australian citizenship • definition

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