In Australia, there is a rich tapestry of Indigenous languages and dialects, with more than 250 individual Indigenous languages and approximately 800 dialects. Each of these languages is closely tied to specific geographical locations and the communities that inhabit them. According to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), these languages reflect the diverse cultures and histories of Australia’s first peoples. For further reading on this topic, you can visit their website here.

As of 2021, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that over 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages were still spoken, with about 9.5% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people expressing that they speak a language. More details can be found in their report here.

The classification of these languages falls into a group recognized as Australian Aboriginal languages, which comprises between 200 to 300 Indigenous languages. This information is elaborated by Britannica here.

However, many of these languages are endangered. A comprehensive list of Australian Aboriginal languages can be found on Wikipedia here. Additionally, a report by the National Archives of Australia highlights that currently, 123 Indigenous languages are in use, with 109 of those deemed endangered, exposing them to the risk of disappearance here.

In the Northern Territory, there are more than 20 'healthy' languages that are actively being taught to children, as suggested by Common Ground here. Overall, the landscape of Indigenous languages in Australia is critical not only to the cultural identity of communities but also to Australia's heritage as a whole.

Sources

Languages alive | AIATSIS corporate websiteLanguage Statistics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PeoplesAustralian Aboriginal languages | Classification, Linguistic ...List of Australian Aboriginal languages - WikipediaFirst Nations Languages | Common GroundDispossession and revival of Indigenous languages | naa.gov.auHow common is it for aboriginal communities to not speak English?

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