Hello Gabby, Welcome, and good on you for attempting to understand what you've inherited.
You're quite justified in observing that it's like learning a new language. There's a lot to learn. If you go to the Beginners' Lounge you'll find plenty of information which will help to get you started. In particular, Sir O's thread gives you a good introduction to the market and how it all works.
If you go to
www.asx.com.au (the Australian Stock Exchange website) and follow the links you will find a heading "Prices, Research and Announcements".
There will be a space where you can type in the name of the companies in which you now own shares. You'll also see the company code there.
e.g. Woolworths' code is WOW.
If you follow the various links you should be able to find out quite a bit about each company.
The ASX website also has quite good education modules which you can work your way through in your own time.
Then you can do a search on this forum for any of the companies in which you're interested. Many companies have their own thread with quite extensive discussion.
It's bewildering at first. Don't be put off.
Ask whatever you need to. Most people here are happy to help.
When you're ready, ask about brokers and we can explain about online and full service brokers.
Good luck.