After having a bit of a scan through the local network, I've discovered that there's a huge controversy going on about "Finding Nemo". It all came as a bit of a shock, but it all revolves around those sodding seagulls.

Here's a clip, so you can hear for yourself:
Finding Nemo - Seagulls.wav (150kb)

Do they say "Mate!", or "Mine!", or "Mike!"???

I'll tell you what I think.

I guess it all depends on where you live in Australia. I come from western queensland, and the word "Mate" is usually the first word of an infant and the dying words of a centurian. Of course, it's different in the city, everything is, but the word "mate" is an all-round word that fits all occasions. Australian's dont tend to use linguistics to convey their thoughts, but the intonations and the stresses placed on the words themselves seem to mean so much more.

"Mate." - "I've forgotten your name, but I love ya anyway."
"Mate?" - "Are you okay?"
"Maaaaaate!" - "Hello there! It's great to see you!"

The legend of mateship is what our country is built on. I didn't realise just how much I said it until I left our shores girt by sea, and arrived in the UK. It's in our constitution for crying out loud. It's typically Australian. Just like "Bruce" the shark, and "Sheila" the dentist's assistant. If you're an Aussie, tell me just how many people you know called Bruce, or Shiela!

For that very reason, the word 'Mate' becomes somewhat cliche in an international movie. It doesn't seem to matter a damn if we dont say it. It's an aussie in-joke, ok mate? But then the popular counter argument is, why would Pixar use the word "mate" that's so typically australian, when it's an international movie? Why would they include an in-joke for a country other than America, who directed and produced the film?

Despite the film being set in Australia? HA! Let's not turn this into something international, we are talking about the seagulls, after all. I guess the issue of "Mate" versus "Mike" versus "Mine" is going to linger on a little while longer. But she'll be right, mate. Hat's off to Pixar. It's a bloody great movie!