An American Perspective on Australia: Understanding Yes-Maybe-No

[@simoncantley665]

"Yeah, naaaah" means no "Yeah, maybe" means no "Maybe" means no "Yeah, nah maybe" means no "Naaah" means no "Oh yeah sounds good" means no "Not sure what's happening yet" means no Ask someone if they want to grab a beer then you will a resounding yes.

[@AT-kx6fj]

Priceless!

[@kVkV-sw5se]

You have absolutely nailed it there mate. Well .... maybe?

[@andrewohare3872]

Yeah nah that's a good one ey. Though I would say that Yeah nah is pretty flexible. Did you catch any fish today? Yeah nah, nothing was biting. Did you catch any fish today? Yeah nah, caught a bunch of flatties. I use it for both yes and no as does most people I deal with.

[@mfanwelikeit3760]

Accurate

[@sjgar3]

If you really need to say 'maybe', use 'might'

[@mikisommer949]

I am Australia and this is all news to me.

[@sjgar3]

I'm Aussie, but I've studied 3 asian languages and one European. The differences between Englishes fascinates me. I think you've really nailed some key points here. You're talking in the realms of pragmatics and sociolinguistics (how language is actually used to accomplish social functions in practice, how politeness and culture factor in, etc.) and although not fully correct, as in not a fully comprehensive and expansive explain, these are really great insights! Thank you for sharing from your real experiences. I hope they make it easier for Americans to navigate conversations with Aussies...as you can see in some of the other comments, we're not always a gracious bunch! Others have brought in other really good points too... like how all conversations in the real world are achieved as a process of negotiation, the idea of 'island time' that from memory links into concept of the spectrum of 'high context ' and 'low context' cultures. There's also national identity ideology at play too... as Aussies we tend to think of ourselves as laid back, no nonsense straight talkers. I guess that's true, but perhaps only if you already belong to our group and recognise how these are communicated, which I guess you've pointed out, can be very difficult if you've come from another group!

[@mcgarryinternationaldfi5952]

I am Australian and learned a lot from your insights. In Japan years ago, I was in discussion with an American colleague about a business issue of minor significance. He insisted on his way and persisted with questioning until he got a "yes" from me. I think you can imagine his reaction when we met up next when I had not followed through. At that point, I informed him, "You were being persistent, rude. You would not listen to what I said. I said ':yes' to you to end the conversation". He then labelled me as all Australians from his experience as liars. I think you have explained the cultural divide. I think saying 'okay' as opposed 'yes' is less insincere. You are right, though, you have to ring up to confirm about arrangements. Keep the relationship up and running and open, if you like the person. Somebody could start making plans, but something might intercede like something to do with the family or financial restrictions might prop up that preclude doing this or that. Sometimes a decision could be made in the office between the first meet up and the next contact that dampens initial enthusiasm. You often just do not know. I do not like Jazz too much either. I would say that I am not really into Jazz, but I would - as a commitment to the relationship or friendship - suffer the music to do my bit if I was dragged along. You never know, you might learn something about Jazz and be impressed. It also opens up your experience of the world. A whole heap of reasons could pop up as an excuse to vacate an earlier commitment. That' said, from experience, you will learn who you can and cannot rely on. I think - even with my experience with Americans - that that is the best rule. It is fun learning the nuances of different cultures. I am also impressed that China - the new kid on the block - is being vaunted as somehow more professional or businesslike than Australia. I find that a bit amusing.

[@kokigami5492]

As an Australian, we're also quick to say "no, sorry mate. I'm busy that weekend" etc etc.

[@tacitdionysus3220]

I'm Australian and have been in business for years. I disagree with your view to some extent. The 'maybe' thing is more likely if someone is being 'pushy' when you want more time to check out options etc. But there is some truth in people avoiding being rude by giving a direct rejection to something they don't want to do.

[@thegreatbeyond5789]

Tacit Dionysus thanks for sharing :-)

[@mjmcb1]

I've lived in Australia for almost 50 years, but I was never aware of the 'yes-no-maybe' thing. I've never had any problem just saying 'no', but now I'm thinking would I say 'yes' if I meant 'maybe', and would I say 'maybe' if I really didn't want to do it? Sometimes, it might be that I've got to check my diary, or with my spouse, but thinking about it, there is that certain 'looseness' about those kinds of arrangements that Australians tend to favour. I certainly agree with you about the 'business yes'; in both business and personal matters, Australians really dislike it when people are pushy, and it can be instant death to a relationship. On the other hand, Australian do have a reputation for being direct, and for saying what they mean, which is often perceived in eastern Asia as being rude, so there is a hidden truth in what you are saying, at least for me.

[@ImplicitSilence]

This is somewhat how I explained this to a relative of mine: Yes, is usually an acknowldegment of a possible advancement/agreement or saying that the proposition "Sounds cool". Basically an open mind to that possibility. In Australia, we first acknowledge the proposition till we've made an actual decision (I guess we like to think about stuff). If you really want to go through with something, re-propose as a confirmation. That's when you'll usually get an actual decision, or the decision will be prolonged (usually meaning no) As an Australian who's travelled a little, I've transformed what I say to what I've learned from many places "Yeah, maybe, we'll see what happens" *insert smile* The breakdown: "Yeah"=Australian etiquette "maybe"=Universally understood (Still a little rude in Aus, but not as bad due to previous word. The acknowledgment+confirmation, 2 birds 1 stone), "we'll see what happens"=I'm keeping an open mind to the plan without a definite answer. Also makes my "maybe" part sound not so rude :P The phrase works so far with the cultures I've encountered but also when I'm home in Australia (Learned this due to always around people with different cultures) Lol, sorry, had to speak my mind a bit here since I get asked too haha

[@bigwill4978]

I've been here in Australia for 12 years and I've never come across this scenario. I've lived in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and this is new to me! If I'm talking to a client or a potential client about a business opportunity then the initial conversation is a general conversation. When I need a decision on something I'll ask them to formalize it and they do. My opinion with dealing with Americans is that they're really pushy and lack basic manners. I remember when I was in the US and I remember that Americans are demanding when it comes basic things like buying coffee. It was always, 'give me this and this' and then walk out with their coffee. They never said hello, how are you or even said thank you.

[@martyntalisman4236]

I'm 57 yo Aussie who has lived in various other countries over a ten year period. Now with a few OS friends I find myself trying to explain to them various cultural differences. Top of the pile would be the Yes/no/maybe issue. You guys have thoughtfully illuminated this cultural quirk. Bottom line is - if an Aussie says yes to an invitation/transaction/proposal they might mean yes/maybe/no. What can I say other than - Sorry bout that!

[@garyspeed8961]

agree,,,, i just think aussis back hom dont realise it because its the norm back home.. but also agree its the yeah = maybe... the yes = maybe maybe

[@chrish9155]

I think Australians like to give themselves more flexibility, so they can change their mind any time depending on the situations they are in.

[@NLJ1953]

You can't be too enthusiastic. Aussies are laid back. But know what they want. If you are unknown to them you are already struggling. You already know the rules. Get an Australian on your team, makes it easier.

[@theforgot3n1]

@@NLJ1953 Would you say Australia has stronger aspects of nepotism built into the system?

[@Stewf85]

@@theforgot3n1 in my experience no, but it could certainly appear that way as we do really value culture in workplaces. So it does help having someone to vouch for your personality & work ethic, so hiring managers know you wont upset the team culture & dynamics. In the past 12 months we have hired 2 foreigners (Asian & African) and 1 Australian born, important part for us was getting the right personalities as well as skill capacities to learn. My tip for interviews & working life here, would be to be professional but also let your own personality shine through

[@robjamieson1762]

Yeah you are right about this, by saying yes you are saying “yes it’s a good idea” and if the subject comes up in a conversation later down the track, that’s when you start arranging and planning.. that’s my opinion as an Aussie

[@joshkleine21]

As an Australian this is all news to me... Yes, certainly mean yes. Yeah can mean yes or maybe. Maybe isn’t in anyway rude or insulting unless it sounds like you’re saying it to avoid saying no. No means no.

[@226union]

I just found this clip and I am sure you have learned by now, over four years later that your comments in November 2016 were such broad generalizations that many people would find them quite inaccurate and not recognize those Australians or that Australia that you were talking about. A few qualifications might have been helpful. You said you were in Melbourne but, let's be frank, attitudes vary greatly in such a huge city. I'm not sure that anyone seeking to migrate to Australia could have relied on much of this information. Happy days...........hope you are still enjoying it. I've live out of Australia for a total of 18 years, most recently 12 years in retirement in Europe and can't wait to get back when all the travel restrictions are over.

[@andrewohare3872]

I think this is missing the individual element. A quick browse through the comments showed me that the majority of people don't think this is necessarily true. Maybe for the friends you have and the business dealings you do this all applies (which was surprising to hear), but saying yes then not providing a follow-up or any communication is bad business in my book. I have never had this issue in any of my business or work dealings. I certainly agree that we probably don't like hard sells or pushiness as much as Americans might, but for me, my mates and those i deal with, yes means yes. Maybe definitely errs on the side of no and no means no. I think people coming here should expect yes, no and maybe to mean what they mean. When you start getting into the Yeahnahs is when it might need some explaining for those coming from overseas.

[@RockSolitude]

I feel like I'm learning about my own culture. Subbed.

[@davet5756]

Yeah, Nahhhhhh not too sure about that one.... ;)

[@jasonparkes601]

Yeah means they heard you, nahhh expresses uncertainty or disagreement on the topic .

[@Richard1H65S]

Yeahnah could be our greatest export haha

[@noidont6256]

I to am Australian and would agree with many of the things said with one additional exception, if you are a true friend, a close mate (friend) yes does means yes but to everyone else it acknowledgement of the information.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

In all honesty, anything but YES, means NO. Maybe only means maybe if there are factors out of someone's control but even then people will mostly say YES but will qualify it by saying what they need to do first to make it happen. Most often, maybe is the default NO. It just means someone doesn't want to do something but doesn't want to be rude. When does MAYBE actually mean maybe? If it is said in a very enthusiastic way. The minute someone draws it out, 'Weeell mayybeee, we'll see' That is a NO!

[@royfensom5528]

Most will say Yeah, and that means I dunno, but a clear yes can mean yes.

[@charliedawson4877]

I've never really thought about it, but yeah I agree. _Maybe_ can even seem patronizing. Like you don't like the person, but you don't think they could handle that news.

[@Annie-no7qk]

This is spot on.. Thanks for sharing your perspective and advice.

[@imbetterthanyouis]

fuck off back to uni we dont need you here on the rest of the island

[@Stewf85]

Interesting topic, the big part from my perspective in business & personal life is having situational awareness. Us Australians as many have highlighted, don’t like to be strong armed or pushed in negotiations and may provide an initial view at that point in time but will make a final decision at a later discussion/negotiation. If you lack that situational awareness when negotiating forcefully, you may not understand that yes didn’t mean yes & actually meant maybe or no. Maybe is fine to use as a response, often we pin it to which way were leaning without fully committing until a later point in time.

[@potaka79]

This is spot on I say YES all the bloody time I just don’t want to offend the other person. When it gets closer to the date I make up some BS to get out of it...Problem solved.

[@Twenty_Six_Hundred]

Im Australian and think they have it pretty spot on.

[@rhystaylor8558]

I think this is pretty spot on honestly, though it might be regional. I think it is spot on because it is so extreme particularly in indigenous communities, it is quite common that when you invite people to events they will say 'yes, I will be there later', or 'maybe later' and later is basically code for 'no', people talk about the idea of 'island time' and 'later' is the island time version of 'never'. It is more subtle the more urban you get, but I definitely think it is still there.

[@naydejamiebernardo4662]

wise words, love hearing the points. I'll be referring to this again. Way to bridge things. good on yah

[@paulpowell7424]

If you ask would you like to do something ,your not asking if they will or not, your asking if theyd like to .

[@SteveCerezo]

Yes generally means "I think thats a good idea but ...".ie "I need to discuss with my partner/check my timetable/see if I can get time off work".Yes is not a the final YES that some would like.

[@urizerqelezski2692]

As an Australian who loves my country, I couldn't agree more, alot of Australians are rude especially with follow ups, I am very straight forward, I will tell you what I'm feeling but many Australians won't due to either being lazy, rude or they're incompetent and shouldn't be in their job. This video is one of the best i've seen, yes Australia is different as America is different to me and I would find some of your ways weird, different or just strange. Either way, every country has its quirks. Australia has a bad habit of saying "yeah yeah, NO" which means i'm listening but i'm not interested. :) Melbourne is a great city and I have travelled alot abroad, WOULDN'T live anywhere else.

[@madpuppet666]

"maybe" doesn't mean no, it means "extremely unlikely but possible".

[@nnasab]

Steward what you said is true in the USA also. It's all depends on what level and what your negotiating with. We call it Pre sales in USA.

[@chickensaltappreciationsoc4846]

I don’t want to be a hater but I’m not aware of this rule. And I’m Aussie and have lived in Australia al my life. Trust me I say Maybe all the time.

[@actanonverba91]

Yeah mate 👍🏻but naaahh... I will see what happens

[@garyspeed8961]

making me laugh with the yes/no... as an australian living in Japan and Vietnam now for 18 years , sorry I am very Australian in that regard... but I also find similar attitudes in both Vietnam,,, Japan.... in Vietnam.. yes is not necessarily yes... "I agree" is the possitive commitment ... the "yes"

[@veritasliberabitvos454]

Foreigners don't get Australians. For us we have to know you or the circles you are in we know. We have a saying, it is not what you know, it is not who you know, it is what you know about who you know. That takes time. Being close to Asia, especially China, Australians have learned a lot about being screwed over. Contracts not being honoured or renegotiated when the ship is at port. So, you have to understand it takes time for us to grow to trust you. The other thing is Australians know what another Australian is saying in their yes / no / maybe replies - its tone / body language / context. Once we know you are good you will see a change in how these relationships happen. Most of my work comes from those who know me / worked with me / worked with someone who will vouch for me. It is not all the letters before and after my name that gets the work. The other thing is we have to be certain we can work with you. Australians are pretty quick on this stuff.

[@Nzpure]

I'm a kiwi, but i'm gunna go out on a limb and say you're mixing "Yea" with "Yes".... "Yea" being a confirmation of your idea, where as "Yes" is, well Yes i could be wrong though. Try Kiwi's lol, Yeah, nah means no and Nah, yeah means yes lol.

[@donfarquhar6328]

depends on State and era older people maybe same as you but add i get back to you a lot of todays Aussies not really familiar with Aussie slang

[@matthewrafter5983]

As an Australian I'd say we would prefer a straight "no" to a "maybe". We like to know where we stand and what we are doing.

[@Loribyn]

'Yes' (rarely heard, more likely 'yeah') means "there's a pretty good possibility mate, but I won't guarantee it." -- in short, maybe. What you were really dancing around here is that the 'yes' is wholly contingent upon the building of your relationship and how that does, or does not, happen. If all goes well, the yes is indeed a yes. But I disagree with the second half of the video -- I've never known Australians to have much need, nor propensity for, window-dressing like that, so I wonder if it's not a quirk of your social circle. If I invited you to a blues concert and your response was "Thanks mate, but I hate blues" it would not end the relationship at all! Quite the contrary -- instead, I'd appreciate you even more than before because we're different; and I'd ask you what music you do like. That's the Australian norm.

[@geoffraymond3148]

Maybe? It may be that I am not sure if I would be free on a specific date to attend a suggested event. As an example, I could say no, I'm not into that sort of music. Or Yes I would really like that and I know I can attend on that date. Saying maybe does NOT always mean a person is being rude but is just unable to give a yes or no answer. If someone wanted an immediate yes or no answer, that is being rude and pushy.

[@glorfindelfgh]

I agree with that, but that is the standard definition of all of those words. I would agree with the video maker that Australians tend to say maybe as an inoffensive way of saying no.

[@trucknlifewithladybelle5557]

Strange but great information

[@christinecoombs3536]

I’m Australian and I say yes when I mean yes. Having said that I know others who do say yes, but that thing won’t necessarily happen. I’m used to it, but I can see why it is frustrating you. That is why I don’t do that, it’s disrespectful.

[@cavejug3086]

Another thing it should be noted, some people overanalyze and often in a hurry. Like catching a train. Learn to slow down a bit, life is to precious to stress out about everything. Not in Oz. There is always TOMORROW, literally.

[@shindongkwang]

I have been living in Melbourne for about 2 years, I found it exactly the same as you feel. I'm really related to your exprience. I want to know how you overcome it because I am still really struggling with those problems

[@garyspeed8961]

relax :)

[@alanbyrne2297]

great insights.

[@paulrichardson5892]

interesting observations. I always thought we were pretty direct . we call a spade a spade and a rest room a toilet. i guess we do try to let folks down gently. Boy , you really blew it with the jazz festival . i hate them too but i wouldnt say so. |Just say it is not my style of music and add music like comedy is a very individual thing. then wish yourself good luck .

[@nyiesah]

Good evaluation you made there it's true Australians don't respond well to being pressured into business

[@jamesring3079]

As an Australian and an American, I say [citation needed].

[@actanonverba91]

With us Aussie business peeps.. Be direct and ask if I have done something?.. We are not really laid back we will say a direct NO but if I am a bit unsure about how I want to go ahead I will say I will think about it and see what happens, just to keep you at arms reach....I would say that you are quite sensitive and over thinking us? Lol.. Great update and interesting.. My brothers wives are both Asian (Japanese) and Indonesian.. They say we are too nice?..

[@glennkenny9810]

As an Aussie, the phrase "yeah nah" means yes I heard you but the answer is no.

[@mostunique5941]

If you dont give a reason why your saying maybe, thats when its offensive.

[@godfreytomlinson2282]

This just isn't true. Seems like it's just based on these peoples individual experiences, not a cultural difference.

[@BananaZone26]

i think it can also be we dont wana come off rude haha

[@nbjansen8255]

If you come across as grasping, needy or pushy here or in any of the 'colonies' you're probably going to get a polite wave-off ...this whole focus on the face-saving thing is off-target.

[@chrish9155]

Do you think this is faking and no one wants to take responsibilities?

[@danhoward6693]

Spot on. Topic. 😁😁😁😁 so true

[@aussiejim1616]

Well yes, no, maybe - perhaps you need to adjust to the realities of Australia. We don't need to be like Americans or Asians - the idea would be to get it in writing.

[@garyspeed8961]

"asians" is a pretty broad sweep

[@jasonparkes601]

Deceptive language might stem from our convict past.

[@charliedawson4877]

Jason Parkes I quite highly doubt that.

[@LeatherCladVegan]

Poor Americans. They just don't get it.

[@petereiso5415]

Please don't mislead your fellow countrymen.

[@johnnygiraffeeater]

You don't know what you're talking about

[@markflint2629]

What rubbish

[@amdaniels11]

Ur both nuts.

[@scotlandsorcery2418]

you are so wrong