What language is spoken in Australia?
English is the official language of Australia. The country is also home to over 200 Aboriginal languages still in use and numerous community languages from immigration, including Italian, Greek, Mandarin, and Arabic.
English, the official language
Australian English is the main language, spoken by almost the entire population. It has some vocabulary and accent specificities compared to British or American English.
Aboriginal languages
Australia has more than 200 Aboriginal languages still practiced today, although many are endangered. The most spoken include Yolŋu Matha, Arrernte and Pitjantjatjara in certain communities in the centre and north.
Community languages
Due to immigration, many languages coexist:
- Mandarin: second most spoken language after English
- Arabic: spoken by Middle Eastern communities
- Italian and Greek: legacies of 20th century immigration waves
- Vietnamese, Hindi, Punjabi: growing Asian languages
Key points for travellers
English is sufficient everywhere in Australia. In tourist areas, you will often find English-speaking guides or guides speaking other European languages.