Spoken Language:
All people in Australia are encouraged to learn English, which is the national language and an important unifying element of Australian society. However, languages other than English are also valued. Australians speak more than 200 languages, including Indigenous Australian languages. In a lot of schools, languages other than English, or LOTE, is part of the extended curriculum, with classes being taught on French, Japanese, Chinese, and a number of other languages.
Gestures:
Nodding your head, usually means ‘hi’ or ‘thank you’.
Shaking your head, usually means ‘no’ or you are disappointed.
Looking people in the eye when talking to them is valued professionally and is usually a sign of engagement and respect. Among some Aboriginal tribes, however, it is a sign of disrespect.
Australian’s value personal space and invading one’s personal space is also seen as a sign of disrespect.
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