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English is the official language spoken and written by 79% of the population. Its distinct variety is known as Australian English and it is more like British English than American English. Visit the Australian National Dictionary Centre http://www.anu.edu.au/ANDC/ and the Culture and Recreation Portal Australian Slang website http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/slang/

With at least 17 per cent of Australians coming from a non-English speaking background, and the vast majority of first and second generation migrants being bilingual, there are over 200 languages spoken in addition to English. More than 3.9 million Australians speak a language other than English at home.

Other languages spoken include Chinese 2.1%, Italian 1.9%, Greek 1.4%, other 9.7%, and unspecified 5.8% (2001 Census). Today's linguistic diversity stems largely from immigration since 1945.

There were 200 to 300 Aboriginal languages around at the time of the first European settlers in the late 1700's, only about 70 survived, with 20 considered endangered. An indigenous language remains the main language of only about 0.02% of the population.

For those who wish to improve their English before starting work or a course of study in Australia, there are English-language schools throughout the country, offering full and part time courses in duration of a few weeks to a year or longer. Most government agencies are obliged to provide an interpreter to assist people who do not speak English, and ensure they have the same access to government services. Some Commonwealth agencies such as Medicare, Centrelink and Job Network also provide information in other languages. See http://www.immi.gov.au/settle/states/aust_the_cntry.htm#Language, for information on English programs offered by the Government.

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Information courtesy of Sue Ellson, Founder of Newcomers Network and Dina Zavrski-Makaric, Sydney Representative of Newcomers Network and Personal Coach and Counsellor of Challenging Directions.

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