Austral English

language

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Austral English refers to the English spoken in Australia and New Zealand. It is considered a distinct variety of English, yet not so different as to be a separate language.1

This form of English developed unique vocabulary from the need to name unfamiliar flora and fauna, such as banksia and kookaburra. Many terms were adopted from Aboriginal languages, including boomerang, dingo, and kangaroo. Words like brush, bush, and creek took on broader meanings than in British English.2

While Australian and New Zealand English share many similarities, there are some differences. The term "Austral English" is sometimes used for both, but New Zealanders often prefer their variety to be recognized distinctly.2

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English language
Australian and New Zealand English
The blanket term Austral English is sometimes used to cover the language of the whole of Australasia, but this term is far from popular with New Zealanders because it makes no reference to New Zealand and gives all the prominence, so they feel, to Australia. Between North and…
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The blanket term Austral English is sometimes used to cover the language of the whole of Australasia, but this term is far from popular with New Zealanders because it makes no reference to New Zealand and gives all the prominence, so they feel, to Australia. Between North and…
Read More