Final answer:
English became the most widely used language in Australia mainly due to colonial influence, which promoted English over indigenous languages and contributed to English's dominance in global spheres of influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the article, English became the most widely used language in Australia, even among indigenous peoples, primarily due to colonial influence. As the British Empire expanded its reach across the globe, English was spread to new territories, including Australia. There, as in other colonies, this process often involved the establishment of English-medium schools and the overt promotion of English over indigenous languages. This led to a decline in the number of people speaking indigenous languages, many of which are now in danger of dying out.
Furthermore, the adoption of English in Australia was reinforced by the country's eventual integration into global economic, cultural, and technological networks, where English played a dominant role. The prominence of English in media, trade, and international relations, as well as policies favoring English, contributed to its rise as the principal language in Australia, even among the native population.