The Southland accent can be hard to understand. Every word that contains an R sounds Scottish, while every other word sounds like the normal Kiwi accent. My level of comprehension varied from person to person. The real trick with Southlanders is to decipher the meaning behind the words. Darrin and Jo are not effusive with praise, but with the benefit of hindsight I’ve come to realize that they actually complimented me quite a lot. Here are some actual things they said to me, and my subsequent translation:
“You have a better attitude than this cow named Gilly”
Translation: “Wow Gill! You have such an amazing work ethic! Thanks for being up at 5:30 to milk these cows without complaint”
“Most city people are a lot less fit than you”
Translation: “You’re the strongest person we’ve ever met! Are you secretly a less angry version of the Hulk?”
“It sure takes you a long time to wash those milking cups”
Translation: “Thanks for being so thorough and hygienic!”
“You’re just starting to get useful, and now you’re buggering off”
Translation: “We’re sorry to see you go. It will probably be impossible to find another worker as good as you.”
“Driving a motorbike isn’t that hard - you can do it”
Translation: “You pick up new skills quickly”
