List of Australian Aboriginal languages facts for kids

There are many Australian Aboriginal languages and dialects. Sadly, many of these languages are in danger of disappearing forever.

An endangered language is a language that is at risk of no longer being used. This usually happens because very few people still speak it. If a language loses all its native speakers, it becomes an extinct language. This means no one speaks it as their first language anymore.

UNESCO, a global organization, describes different levels of how much a language is in danger. These levels range from "safe" (not endangered) to "extinct":

• Vulnerable: The language is used by most children, but it might be limited to certain places, like at home.
• Definitely endangered: Children no longer learn the language as their first language at home.
• Severely endangered: The language is spoken by grandparents and older generations. Parents might understand it, but they don't speak it to their children or each other.
• Critically endangered: The youngest speakers are grandparents or older. They speak the language only sometimes, and not very often.
• Extinct: There are no native speakers left.

Understanding Australia's Languages

Australia is a huge country with a rich history of many different languages. Before Europeans arrived, there were hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages spoken. Each language was unique and connected to the land and culture of its people.

Why Languages Become Endangered

Languages can become endangered for many reasons. Sometimes, people are forced to stop speaking their language. Other times, younger generations might choose to learn a different language, like English, for school or work. When fewer and fewer people speak a language, it slowly fades away.

The Importance of Language

Languages are much more than just words. They carry stories, history, knowledge, and culture. When a language is lost, a whole way of understanding the world can be lost too. Keeping these languages alive helps preserve the rich heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Efforts to Revive Languages

Many people are working hard to bring Aboriginal languages back to life. This is called language revival. Communities are teaching their languages in schools, creating dictionaries, and recording elders speaking. This helps younger people learn and connect with their heritage.

A Look at Language Statuses

Here are some examples of Australian Aboriginal languages and their current status. This shows how important it is to protect these unique parts of Australia's heritage.

Languages That Are Still Strong

Some languages are still spoken by many people and are considered strong or "vigorous."

• Australian Aboriginal English: This is a special kind of English that developed after contact with Europeans. Over 30,000 people speak it.
• Australian Kriol: This is a new language, a mix of English and Aboriginal languages. About 4,200 people speak it as their first language, and many more speak it as a second language.
• Djinang language: Spoken by 100 to 230 people in the Northern Territory.
• Guugu Yimithirr language: Spoken by 20 to 30 people as their main language, but 200 to 300 people understand it. It is spoken in Queensland.
• Kunwinjku language: Spoken by 1,200 to 2,000 people in the Northern Territory.
• Maung language: Spoken by 260 people.
• Ngaanyatjarra language: Spoken by 700 to 1,000 people in Western Australia.
• Nyangumarta language: Spoken by 250 to 310 people in Western Australia.
• Pintupi language: Spoken by 203 people in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
• Pitjantjatjara language: Spoken by 2,700 people across the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia.
• Tiwi language: Spoken by 1,700 people on the Tiwi Islands.
• Warlpiri language: Spoken by 2,500 people.
• Western Desert language: This is a group of many dialects, spoken by 7,400 people across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and South Australia.
• Wik Mungkan language: Spoken by 1,050 people.

Languages That Are Developing

These languages are growing and being used more, often through revival efforts.

• Alyawarre language: Spoken by 1,660 people in the Northern Territory. It is part of the Arrernte language group.
• Anmatyerre language: Spoken by 640 people in the Northern Territory, also part of the Arrernte language group.

Languages That Are Vulnerable

These languages are still used, but they are at risk because fewer children are learning them.

• Anindilyakwa language: Spoken by 1,300 people on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory.
• Arrernte language: Spoken by 1,910 people (Central/Eastern Arrernte) in the Alice Springs region of the Northern Territory. It is a group of dialects.
• Kukatja language: Spoken in Western Australia.

Languages That Are Definitely Endangered

Children no longer learn these languages as their first language at home.

• Kuuk Thaayorre language: Spoken by 24 people in Queensland.
• Gurindji language: Spoken by 225 to 900 people in the Northern Territory.
• Meriam Mir language: Spoken by 160 to 210 people.
• Walmajarri language: Spoken by 500 to 520 people.
• Yankunytjatjara language: Spoken by 70 to 560 people.
• Yan-nhangu language: Spoken by 40 people in the Northern Territory.
• Wik Ngathan language: Spoken in Queensland.

Languages That Are Severely Endangered

Only grandparents and older generations speak these languages.

• Adnyamathanha language: Spoken by 110 people (2006) in South Australia.
• Gooniyandi language: Spoken by 100 people in Western Australia.
• Gugubera language: Spoken by 15 people in Queensland.
• Jaminjung language: Spoken by 27 to 130 people.
• Jawoyn language: Spoken by 20 to 42 people.
• Jingulu language: Spoken by 10 people in the Northern Territory.
• Kija language: Spoken by 210 people in Western Australia.
• Kunbarlang language: Spoken by 50 to 100 people.
• Kuku Yalanji language: Spoken in Queensland.
• Mudburra language: Spoken by 50 people in the Northern Territory.
• Malak-Malak language: Spoken by 9 to 11 people.
• Nakkara language: Spoken by 50 people in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.
• Ngarinman language: Spoken by 592 people in the Northern Territory.
• Nyamal language: Spoken by 20 to 34 people in the Pilbara, Western Australia.
• Nyikina language: Spoken by 20 to 68 people in Western Australia.
• Nunggubuyu language: Spoken by 272 people in the Northern Territory.
• Umpila language: Spoken by 12 people in Queensland.
• Wagiman language: Spoken by 10 people.
• Wajarri language: Spoken by 50 to 200 people in Western Australia.
• Walmajarri language: Spoken by 500 to 520 people.
• Warnman language: Spoken by 20 people.
• Warumungu language: Spoken by 50 to 310 people.
• Wikngenchera language: Spoken by 50 people.
• Yanyuwa language: Spoken by 70 to 130 people.

Languages That Are Critically Endangered

These languages are in the most serious danger, with only a few very old speakers left.

• Antakirinya language: Spoken by 6 people.
• Arabana language: Spoken by 21 people.
• Gajerrong language: Spoken by 3 people in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
• Gamilaraay language: Spoken by 105 people (2016) in New South Wales. It is being revived.
• Ganggalidda language: Spoken by 5 people.
• Gumbaynggirr language: Spoken by 10 people.
• Karajarri language: Spoken by 12 people in Western Australia.
• Kaurna language: Spoken in South Australia. It is being revived.
• Kayardild language: Spoken by 6 people in Queensland.
• Kunjen language: Spoken by 20 to 25 people.
• Kurrama language: Spoken by 50 people in Western Australia.
• Kuuku Ya'u language: Spoken in Queensland.
• Lardil language: Spoken by 2 people in Queensland.
• Matngele language: Spoken by 15 to 20 people in the Northern Territory.
• Mangarrayi language: Spoken by 50 people.
• Maringarr language: Spoken by 30 to 40 people.
• Marrisyefin language: Spoken by 20 people.
• Marrithiyel language: Spoken by 25 people.
• Miriwoong language: Spoken by 10 to 20 people.
• Ngaliwuru language: Spoken by 27 to 130 people.
• Ngandi language: Spoken by 9 people in the Northern Territory.
• Ngarluma language: Spoken by 11 to 42 people in Western Australia.
• Paakantyi language: Spoken by 4 to 22 people in New South Wales.
• Rembarrnga language: Spoken by 10 to 38 people in the Northern Territory.
• Ritharrngu language: Spoken by 32 people in the Northern Territory.
• Tharkarri language: Spoken by 20 people in the Pilbara, Western Australia.
• Waanyi language: Spoken in Queensland.
• Wambaya language: Spoken by 12 people in the Northern Territory.
• Wangaaybuwan language: Spoken by 12 people.
• Wangkumara language: Spoken by 6 people in Queensland.
• Wiradjuri language: Spoken by 3 people.
• Worrorra language: Spoken by 20 people.
• Wunambal language: Spoken by 20 people in Western Australia.
• Yiiji language: Spoken by 20 people in Western Australia.

Languages That Are Moribund

These languages have very few speakers, often only a handful of elderly people. They are very close to becoming extinct.

• Alawa language: Spoken by 12 people in the Northern Territory.
• Ami language: Spoken by 5 people in the Northern Territory.
• Badimaya language: Spoken by 3 people in Western Australia.
• Bandjigali language: Spoken by 4 to 22 people.
• Banjima language: Spoken by 50 to 100 people.
• Bardi language: Spoken by 20 to 150 people in Western Australia.
• Broome Pearling Lugger Pidgin: Spoken by 40 people as a second language in Western Australia.
• Bunuba language: Spoken by 40 to 110 people in Western Australia.
• Diyari language: Spoken by 13 people (2006) in South Australia. There is a program to teach and increase its use.
• Dyaabugay language: Spoken by 28 people in Queensland.
• Dyirbal language: Spoken by 15 to 28 people in Queensland.
• Ngaatjatjara language: Spoken by 12 people in Western Australia.
• Ngalkbun language: Spoken by 15 people in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory.
• Ngardi language: Spoken by 10 to 14 people in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
• Ngarinman language: Spoken by 592 people in the Northern Territory.
• Ngarinyin language: Spoken in Western Australia.
• Ngarnawu language: Spoken by 56 to 58 people in Western Australia.
• Nhanta language: Spoken by "a handful" of people in Western Australia.
• Nijadali language: Spoken by 3 people in Western Australia.
• Okunjan language: Spoken by 2 people in Queensland.
• Pini language: Spoken by 10 people.
• Pinigura language: Spoken by 6 people in Western Australia.
• Tyaraity language: Spoken by 8 people in the Northern Territory.
• Umiida language: Spoken by 4 to 22 people in Western Australia.
• Unggarangu language: Spoken by 4 to 22 people in Western Australia.
• Unggumi language: Spoken by 4 to 22 people in Western Australia.
• Uw Olkola language: Spoken by 2 people in Queensland.
• Uw Oykangand language: Spoken by 2 people in Queensland.

Languages That Are Dormant

These languages have no native speakers left, but there are efforts to revive them.

• Andegerebinha language: No speakers (2016) in the Northern Territory.
• Awabakal language: Spoken by 9 people in New South Wales. It was considered extinct but is now being revived.
• Nhuwala language: No first language speakers in Western Australia.
• Pakanha language: No first language speakers in Queensland.

Languages That Are Extinct

These languages have no known native speakers left.

• Adithinngithigh language: From Queensland, unwritten.
• Aghu Tharrnggala language: From Queensland.
• Alngith dialect: From Queensland.
• Amarag language: From the Northern Territory.
• Anguthimri language: From Queensland.
• Areba language:
• Aritinngithigh language: From Queensland.
• Atampaya language:
• Ayabadhu language:
• Barngarla language: From South Australia.
• Barrow Point language:
• Bayungu language: Spoken by 2 people.
• Bidyara language: From Queensland.
• Bunurong language: From Victoria.
• Burduna language: From Western Australia.
• Damin language: A special initiation language for men from Queensland.
• Darkinjung language: From New South Wales.
• Dharawal language: From New South Wales.
• Dhargari language: Spoken by 1 person.
• Dharug language: From New South Wales.
• Dhauwurdwurung language: From Victoria.
• Dhurga language:
• Dirari language:
• Djabwurung language: From Victoria.
• Djangun language:
• Djawi language: From Western Australia.
• Djiwarli language: From Western Australia.
• Doolboong language: From Western Australia.
• Dungidjau language:
• Dyaberdyaber language: From Western Australia.
• Dyangadi language:
• Dyugun language: From Western Australia.
• Eora language: From New South Wales.
• Erre language:
• Flinders Island language:
• Gaagudju language: Spoken by 6 people.
• Kuku-Mangk language: Spoken by 1 person.
• Kurtjar language: Spoken by 30 people in Queensland.
• Marrgu language: Spoken by 1 person.
• Martuyhunira language: Spoken by 5 people in Western Australia.
• Nauo language: From South Australia.
• Ngadjunmaya language: No speakers (2007) in Western Australia.
• Ngadjuri language: From South Australia.
• Ngalakan language: No speakers (2004) in the Northern Territory.
• Ngamini language: Spoken by 2 people in South Australia.
• Ngarla language: No speakers (2015) in Western Australia.
• Ngarnka language: From the Northern Territory.
• Ngawun language: Spoken by 1 person in Queensland.
• Ngkoth language: From Queensland.
• Ngumbarl language: From Western Australia.
• Ngunawal language: From New South Wales/ACT.
• Ngurmbur language: Spoken by 1 person in the Northern Territory.
• Nimanbur language: Spoken by 2 people in Western Australia.
• Ntra'ngith language: From Queensland.
• Nuenonne language: From Tasmania.
• Nungali language: Spoken by 2 people in the Northern Territory.
• Nyangga language: Spoken by 1 person in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
• Nyawaygi language: From Queensland.
• Nyulnyul language: From Western Australia.
• Paredarerme language: From Tasmania.
• Peerapper language: From Tasmania.
• Pitta Pitta language: Spoken by 2 people in Queensland.
• Plangermaireener language: From Tasmania.
• Popham Bay language: From the Northern Territory.
• Pyemmairre language: From Tasmania.
• Thaua language: From New South Wales.
• Thiin language: From Western Australia.
• Tommeginne language: From Tasmania.
• Toogee language: From Tasmania.
• Tyerremotepanner language: From Tasmania.
• Umbindhamu language: Spoken by 6 people in Queensland.
• Umbugarla language: Spoken by 3 people in the Northern Territory.
• Umbuygamu language: Spoken by 7 people in Queensland.
• Uradhi language: Spoken by 2 people in Queensland.
• Urningangg language: Spoken by 10 people in the Northern Territory.
• Waray language: Spoken by 4 people in the Northern Territory.
• Yawarawarga language: Spoken by 1 person in South Australia and Queensland.
• Yir Yoront language: Spoken by 15 people.

Images for kids

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  A language map, different colours represent different language families: