Do you know what's the difference between "programme" and "program"?
The former is the spelling usually applied in UK English and the latter in US English.
But how about in Australian English?
Australian English tends to follow UK English spelling conventions, so that must be the case here too, right?
Here's the story...
When the Festival Centre in Adelaide, South Australia opened in 1973, throughout the foyers little merchandise stands were set up with signs stating "programmes" on them. By the time I started working there in 1996, those signs were looking old-fashioned and quaint.
How come?
Because over that time, the accepted Australian spelling had changed from "programme" to "program" for all nouns beyond just computing contexts, and this is how it's been since.
The spelling also changed in Australian English for all other words ending in "-gramme", e.g. "milligramme" is now "milligram".
Still, there's a small minority in Australia that's not happy with this spelling change. Tony Abbott, the controversial former prime minister of Australia (2013–15) is one of them. He was a big fan of the longer spelling – much to the consternation of those who had to keep altering government documents at his behest.
This shows that while the official Australian English convention is to use "program" for all senses of the word, you may still meet a little opposition from some Aussies along the way.
How about in New Zealand English? Is it spelled "program" there like in Australia?
Not at all!
New Zealand English continues to follow UK English usage with the spelling of "programme", leaving "program" solely for computing.
This goes to show that not just spoken but even written Australian English differs from UK and New Zealand English.
So be careful!
👉 Your English text or copy needs to be localised for Australia
👉 Using UK English won't always cut it for Australia
👉 Australian and New Zealand English are not the same
Ensure that your text and copy for Australia is just right and the best way of doing that is talking to me. Email me at info@nicknasev.com and let's make sure you're in on the program!
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