"Yes! Sydney resident, Tom Champion, has been causing waves on YouTube with his Australian language lesson videos, all delivered in his non-native language of Hungarian."I thought Hungarian language was so enchanting when I visited Budapest at the end of last year," says the 22-year-old. "So I started learning it. I'm so happy people like my videos so much, but I'm even happier they understand my Australian accent!"
Shot on exotic backdrops and featuring Bendeguz (his kangaroo assistant), Tom translates his favourite Hungarian expressions like 'langos kepu' (langos face) and "csoda szep!" (incredibly beautiful!) into their Australian equivalents.
With already thousands of views, and hundreds of subscribers and comments, Tom has earned respect from his audience. "It's inspiring to hear this foreigner speak our language," writes one commenter, "and his accent is so charming".
When asked why he's doing this, Tom says, "Well, if it helps me to get a job in the Hungarian media - that would be fantastic! But for the moment, these weekly videos are just a really fun way for me to learn this spectacular language, and to interact with Hungarians who want to know about my country".
But why not have a listen for yourself?"
Words by Sandor Nagy for XpatLoop.com
12.09.2009