Ruqayyah Snyder
Western Australia is a culturally diverse state with a variety of languages spoken by its population. While English is not the official language of Australia, it is the de facto national language and is almost universally spoken. In Western Australia, 75.2% of inhabitants spoke only English at home according to the 2016 census, with the next most common languages being Mandarin (1.9%), Italian (1.2%), Vietnamese (0.8%), Cantonese (0.8%) and Tagalog (0.6%). The increase in multicultural immigration to Australia has led to a rise in the number of people speaking languages other than English at home, with Spanish and Filipino speakers increasing by 20% and 14% respectively between 2016 and 2021. There are also several Indigenous languages spoken in Western Australia, with around 70 Indigenous language groups and dialects in the region at the time of European settlement in 1788, of which around 30 are still spoken today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of people who spoke only English at home in 2016 | 75.2% |
| Percentage of people who spoke only English at home in 2021 | 75.3% |
| Percentage of people who used a non-English language in 2021 | 18.4% |
| Most common languages spoken at home other than English in 2016 | Mandarin (1.9%), Italian (1.2%), Vietnamese (0.8%), Cantonese (0.8%), and Tagalog (0.6%) |
| Most common languages spoken at home other than English in 2021 | Mandarin (1.9%) |
| Number of people who used Mandarin as the language at home in 2021 | 51,751 |
| Number of people who used a language other than English at home between 2016 and 2021 | Increase of 55,069 |
| Number of people who used English as the only language at home between 2016 and 2021 | Increase of 141,735 |
| Number of Australians in WA who speak a top 10 language other than English | 255,000 |
| Languages with the largest increase in speakers between 2016 and 2021 | Spanish and Filipino |
| Number of Indigenous Australian language groups and dialects in Western Australia at the time of European settlement in 1788 | Around 70 |
| Number of surviving Indigenous Australian languages | Around 120 |
| Main surviving language of the Murchison and Gascoyne area | Wadjari |
| Number of speakers of Mabuiag, a language spoken in the western Torres Strait Islands | 8,000 |
| Number of speakers of the Western Desert language | 4,000 |
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What You'll Learn
English is the de facto national language
Although English is not the official language of Australia, it is the de facto national language. It was introduced to the country in 1788 with the arrival of British settlers and gradually overtook the Indigenous languages that were previously spoken. Today, it is almost universally spoken in Australia and is the only language used in the home by 72% of the population. This percentage is even higher in Western Australia, where 75.3% of the population used English only in the home according to a 2021 analysis.
The increase in Australia's migrant population over the past decade has led to a decline in the number of people speaking only English at home. In Western Australia, the number of people who used a language other than English at home increased by 55,069 between 2016 and 2021. This is partly due to the large increase in multicultural immigration during this period, with Spanish and Filipino speakers increasing by 20% and 14% respectively.
Despite the dominance of English, there are still hundreds of Aboriginal languages spoken in Australia. However, many of these languages are at risk of being lost as Elders pass away, and most of the surviving languages have very few speakers. In Western Australia, there were around 70 Indigenous language groups and dialects at the time of European settlement in 1788. Today, only a few of these languages are still spoken in the region, including Wadjari in the Murchison and Gascoyne area and Yindjibarndi in the Roebourne region.
The Australian government has implemented language policies that prioritize English and Anglo-Celtic heritage. Historically, migrants wishing to settle in Australia were required to pass a dictation test in English or a European language, making it difficult for Asian migrants to enter the country. More recently, the government has assisted refugees by providing them with English language education and vocational training in exchange for their resettlement in Australia.
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Mandarin is the most common non-English language
Western Australia has a rich linguistic history, with a multitude of languages spoken across the region. While English is the predominant language, with 75.2% of inhabitants speaking only English at home according to the 2016 census, there are several non-English languages that are also prevalent. Among these, Mandarin stands out as the most common non-English language in Western Australia.
Mandarin has a strong presence in Western Australia, particularly among individuals with Chinese ancestry. In the 2021 census, it was reported that 685,274 people across Australia spoke Mandarin at home, making it the most common language spoken after English, with 2.8% of the population or 1.9% in Western Australia specifically, according to the 2016 census. This prevalence of Mandarin is reflective of the significant Chinese immigration to Australia, particularly during historical events such as the Gold Rushes in the 19th century and the more recent influx of Chinese international students.
The Chinese community in Western Australia has had a long and impactful history in the region. Early Chinese immigrants played a crucial role in the establishment of Chinatowns in major cities, contributing to the cultural diversity of places like Sydney and Melbourne. Over time, the Chinese population in Western Australia has continued to grow, and they now constitute one of the largest Asian Australian communities. This increasing presence has naturally led to the widespread use of Mandarin, especially within these communities.
The influence of Mandarin extends beyond the Chinese Australian community. Many individuals of diverse backgrounds have recognised the importance of learning Mandarin as a second language. This trend is particularly notable among the children of Chinese immigrants, who often grow up speaking Mandarin at home while primarily using English in their daily lives outside the home. Additionally, the increasing awareness of the importance of Mandarin has led to a rise in bilingual schools, such as Abbotsford Primary School in Melbourne, where students are encouraged to develop proficiency in Mandarin alongside English.
While Mandarin is the most common non-English language in Western Australia, it is worth noting that other languages also have a significant presence in the region. According to the 2016 census, Italian, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Tagalog are also widely spoken, each with a notable proportion of speakers. These languages reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of the inhabitants of Western Australia and contribute to the region's linguistic richness.
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Indigenous languages are still spoken
English is the de facto national language of Australia and is almost universally spoken. However, several Indigenous languages are still spoken in Western Australia.
At the time of European settlement in 1788, there were around 70 Indigenous language groups and dialects in Western Australia, out of more than 300 across the continent. Today, only around 120 of those languages are still spoken across Australia, and many are at risk of being lost as Elders pass away. Nevertheless, these languages are an essential part of Indigenous Australians' culture and identity, and they are used to store and transfer cultural knowledge such as songs, bush food, and traditional medicine.
Western Australia has a long history of Indigenous culture and language, with the first human inhabitants arriving over 50,000 years ago and the arrival of European explorers in the early 17th century. The first Europeans to visit Western Australia were the Dutch Dirk Hartog expedition, who landed at what is now known as Cape Inscription, Dirk Hartog Island, on October 25, 1616.
Several Indigenous languages are still spoken in Western Australia today. The main surviving language of the Murchison and Gascoyne area is Wadjari, originally spoken in the eastern Murchison region. Although there were once many languages spoken in this region, the people referred to themselves as Yamatji, and today they call their language Yamatji as well. The southern and western Pilbara region has seen a decline in language speakers, but several Aboriginal languages are still spoken in the northern and eastern Pilbara. Yindjibarndi is the most widely spoken language in the region, and it is also spoken in Onslow and other Pilbara towns. The Kimberley region, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to several surviving Aboriginal languages out of the 30 that were once spoken there.
Indigenous languages are also used in politics and government in Western Australia. In 2018, Josie Farrer became the first politician to use an Indigenous language in the Parliament of Western Australia, speaking in both Kija and Kriol. Kriol is an English-based creole that has arisen in Australia after European contact, and it is spoken in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
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Kriol is an Indigenous language spoken in Western Australia
English is the most widely spoken language in Australia, with 72% of the population using it as the only language in their homes. However, several other languages are spoken across the country, including some Indigenous languages.
Kriol, also known as Roper River Kriol, Fitzroy Valley Kriol, Australian Creole, Northern Australian Creole, or Aboriginal English, is one such Indigenous language spoken in Western Australia. It is an English-based creole language that developed from a pidgin used initially in the region of Sydney and Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia, during the early days of European colonisation.
Kriol has an estimated 20,000 speakers and is mostly spoken in the Katherine region of the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region in Western Australia. It first developed in the Roper River Mission in the north-eastern Northern Territory when a pidgin was the only common language between Indigenous people and English-speaking missionaries. By 1900, Northern Territory Pidgin English (NTPE) was widespread and well understood. It evolved into a full and rich language as children began learning it as their first language.
Kriol exists along a post-creole continuum, with dialects ranging from those closer to Australian Aboriginal English (Light Kriol) to those more distinct from it (Heavy Kriol). The choice between Light and Heavy Kriol often reflects the speaker's level of integration into mainstream Anglo-Australian society. Indigenous Australians who are more integrated into broader society typically use Light Kriol, while those with stronger traditional ties and those who speak an Indigenous Australian language as their first language tend to use Heavy Kriol.
Despite having similarities to English in vocabulary, Kriol has a distinct syntactic structure and grammar. It is considered a language in its own right and is different from other creole languages like Torres Strait Creole. Kriol is still highly stigmatised, with many Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians viewing it as a 'corrupt' or 'broken' combination of English and traditional languages. However, linguists are working to promote the importance and value of Kriol by creating dictionaries, literacy materials, and conducting workshops.
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Western Australia has a culturally diverse population
The cultural diversity of Western Australia is evident in its languages. While English is the de facto official and national language of Australia, introduced during British colonisation in 1788, there are also several Indigenous languages spoken in the region. These include Kriol, an English-based creole that has arisen after European contact and is spoken in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. In recent years, politicians in Western Australia, such as Josie Farrer, have used Indigenous languages like Kija and Kriol in parliamentary speeches, recognising the cultural significance of these languages.
Western Australia has experienced a significant increase in multicultural immigration, with a growing number of Australians speaking languages other than English. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, there was a notable rise in Spanish and Filipino speakers, with an increase of 20% and 14%, respectively. This trend reflects the broader demographic shifts in Australia, where the proportion of overseas-born and second-generation migrants has steadily increased since World War II.
Perth, the state's capital, has the highest proportion of British-born residents of any state in Australia, with 10.3% in 2011, compared to a national average of 5.1%. At the 2016 census, 75.2% of inhabitants in Western Australia spoke only English at home, with Mandarin, Italian, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Tagalog being the next most common languages. The state also has a notable Indigenous population, with 3.1% of people identifying as Indigenous Australians in the 2016 census.
Western Australia's cultural diversity is further reflected in its arts, sports, and education. Perth is home to the Perth Cultural Centre, which houses the Western Australian Museum, State Library, State Records Office, and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts. The state also boasts a vibrant sports culture, with teams competing in Australian rules football, such as the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers in the Australian Football League (AFL). Additionally, Western Australia has a well-established education system, with five universities and a network of public libraries across the state.
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Frequently asked questions
English is the de facto national language of Australia and is spoken almost universally. In Western Australia, 75.3% of the population used English only, and 18.4% used a non-English language.
There are hundreds of Aboriginal languages, though many have become extinct since 1950. Western Australia had around 70 Indigenous languages at the time of European settlement in 1788, and today, only a few are still spoken. Some of these include Wadjari, Yamatji, Yindjibarndi, and Kriol.
The dominant language used at home, other than English, in Western Australia is Mandarin, with 1.9% of the population or 51,751 people using this language at home. Other common languages include Italian, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and Tagalog.
The increase in the migrant population has led to a decline in the number of people speaking only English at home. Between the 2016 and 2021 census, there was a large increase in multicultural immigration, resulting in over 255,000 Australians in Western Australia speaking a top 10 language other than English.
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