Here's a breakdown:
* Official language: This term refers to the language that is officially recognized by the government for use in official functions, such as government documents, legal proceedings, and education.
* National language: This term is often used interchangeably with "official language" but can also refer to a language that holds special cultural or historical significance for a nation.
It's important to note that:
* A country can have multiple official languages.
* The terms "official language" and "national language" are not always used consistently. In some cases, a language might be considered official without being considered national.
* A language can be widely spoken in a country without being officially recognized.