Australia does not have an official language by law, but English is the de facto national language and is the most widely spoken language in the country. It is used in government, education, commerce, and daily communication by the majority of the population, with about 72-73% of Australians speaking only English at home. Australian English, a distinct dialect with unique accent and vocabulary, is the predominant form spoken
. In addition to English, Australia is home to a rich linguistic diversity, including around 120 to 170 Indigenous Australian languages, many of which are endangered, and numerous immigrant languages such as Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Italian, and Greek
. Despite this diversity, English remains the primary language for official and administrative purposes, and all official documents must be in English or translated by accredited translators
. In summary:
- No official language is legally designated in Australia.
- English is the de facto national language and is dominant in all official domains.
- Indigenous and immigrant languages contribute to Australia's linguistic diversity but are secondary in official use.
This makes English the practical and functional official language of Australia, even though it is not officially declared as such by law
