English

English is a West Germanic language spoken by approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide (including second-language speakers), making it the most widely spoken language globally. It serves as the official or de facto language in over 60 countries and is the dominant language of international business, science, technology, aviation, and diplomacy. In Australia, English is the national language, spoken by approximately 22 million people.

Australia's variety of English — Australian English — has distinctive features that set it apart from British, American, and other English varieties. Australian English is characterised by its unique vocabulary (including Indigenous borrowings like “boomerang” and “billabong”), distinctive pronunciation patterns (particularly the broad, general, and cultivated accent spectrum), and informal linguistic traditions including extensive use of abbreviations and diminutives.

English uses the Latin alphabet with 26 letters and no diacritical marks in standard usage. Its spelling system is notoriously irregular, reflecting the language's complex history of influences from Old English, Norman French, Latin, Greek, and numerous other languages. English grammar is relatively simple in morphology compared to many European languages, with minimal verb conjugation, no grammatical gender, and no case system for nouns.

The global reach of English and the diversity of its varieties create significant implications for translation and localisation. Australian English differs from British and American English in spelling (colour vs. color), vocabulary (footpath vs. sidewalk vs. pavement), and cultural references. For content targeting Australian audiences, Australian English conventions should be applied consistently.

For LEXIGO and Australian service providers, English is both the primary working language and a frequent translation target. The most common translation need is from other languages into Australian English, but English-to-English localisation (adapting American or British English content for Australian audiences) is also a growing service area, particularly for multinational organisations entering the Australian market.

Australian English Conventions

Australian English follows British spelling conventions in most cases (colour, organise, centre) but has its own vocabulary, idioms, and cultural references. Content translated into English for Australian audiences should use Australian conventions consistently. Mixing American and Australian spelling within a single document is a common quality issue that signals careless localisation.

Plain English for CALD Audiences

When English is the target language for content that will be read by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) audiences, plain English principles become critical. This means avoiding jargon, idioms, complex sentence structures, and cultural references that may not be understood by non-native speakers. Plain English is particularly important for government, healthcare, and legal communications.

Variety Localisation

Adapting English content between varieties (American to Australian, British to Australian) requires more than spelling changes. Vocabulary, date formats (DD/MM/YYYY in Australia), measurement systems (metric in Australia), currency, cultural references, and regulatory terminology all differ. Professional localisation addresses all these dimensions, not just spelling.

Inclusive Language

Australian English has evolving conventions around inclusive language, including gender-neutral pronouns, culturally appropriate terminology for First Nations peoples, and disability-inclusive language. Translated content should follow current Australian style guides, such as the Australian Government Style Manual, to ensure compliance with contemporary inclusive language standards.

Legal and Regulatory Terminology

Australian legal, medical, and regulatory English uses specific terminology that differs from other English-speaking countries. Terms like “superannuation,” “Medicare,” and “strata title” have specific Australian meanings. Translators working into English for Australian contexts must be familiar with Australian institutional terminology to produce accurate, locally relevant content.