One State, many languages

Western Australia is home to people of many cultures – in fact our State is one of the most culturally diverse places in Australia.

Around 240 languages are spoken in Western Australia. These include the many languages and dialects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the languages of communities who have migrated and settled here over generations, and our most recent migrants and refugees who come from all corners of the globe.

These voices, accents and intonations can be heard across our vast State, creating a rich tapestry of stories that make up our community and reflect the spirit of what it means to be Western Australian.

The WA Museum has partnered with the Office of Multicultural Interests for Languages Week, 6 -12 August 2018, to recognise and celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity of our State.

Love

Home

Belonging

We’ve also developed a learning kit to encourage you to find out more about Western Australia’s cultures and languages. Included in the kit are activities that can be used by parents to learn along with your children and families, and for teachers with your students. Whatever your age or ability you can have fun learning languages together!

Learning Resources

With thanks to: Anna Harrison, Benny Chan, Drisana Levitzke-Gray, Jason Yun, Madison Tran, Razan Qarout, Sandra Harben, Sukhjit Khalsa, Suzette van der Heijden, Wahida Samim, Yusuf Atta.

The Office of Multicultural Interests and the WA Museum acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Western Australia and pay respect to elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge the diversity that exists in languages and that the spelling of words may also vary. We aim to be inclusive of all nations and welcome feedback to ensure this is reflected in all of our work.