Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Language Stats

Introduction

The linguistic heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is one of the richest and most diverse in the world. With over 150 languages still spoken, these languages are vital to preserving the cultural identity, history, and traditions of Australia’s First Nations communities. However, the challenges of colonisation, modernisation, and declining intergenerational transmission have placed many of these languages at risk.

The 2021 Census offers an invaluable snapshot of the state of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, revealing both progress and ongoing vulnerabilities. From increases in absolute numbers of speakers to alarming declines in the proportion of language use, the data paints a complex picture of resilience and struggle.

This article explores the Census findings, examining language diversity, geographic distribution, the most commonly spoken languages, and efforts to sustain this cultural treasure. By understanding these dynamics, we can better support the revival and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages for future generations.

Overview of Language Use

A Snapshot of Language Diversity

Australia is home to over 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the world. These languages reflect deep cultural roots and histories, but many face significant challenges. According to the 2021 Census, 78 languages were not being learned by children aged 0–14, and 50 languages had no reported speakers. These stark figures highlight the urgency for revitalisation efforts to protect this vital heritage.

Despite these challenges, there has been positive growth. In 2021, 76,978 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people reported speaking an Indigenous language at home, compared to 63,754 in 2016, representing an increase of over 13,000 speakers. However, the proportion of speakers within the overall population fell slightly, from 9.8% in 2016 to 9.5% in 2021. The gradual decline in proportions has been observed since 1991, when 16.4% of people reported speaking an Indigenous language at home.

Categories of Languages

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages can be grouped into three primary categories, reflecting the diversity of linguistic traditions and adaptations:

Traditional Languages: These predate colonisation and are often associated with specific regions or clans. In 2021, 52,139 people spoke traditional languages, such as Djambarrpuyngu and Pitjantjatjara. These languages remain central to cultural identity, storytelling, and spiritual practices.
New Contact Languages: These languages developed through interactions between Indigenous languages and English or other colonial languages. Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole) and Kriol are prominent examples, with 15,026 people speaking new contact languages.
Aboriginal English: A distinctive form of English that incorporates Indigenous linguistic influences, Aboriginal English was spoken by 1,371 people in 2021. While often seen as a bridge to broader communication, it also represents a unique cultural marker.

Long-Term Trends and Challenges

The percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people speaking Indigenous languages has declined significantly over three decades. From 16.4% in 1991 to 9.5% in 2021, this drop underscores the impact of colonisation, modernisation, and the dominance of English in education systems. At the same time, the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households speaking only English rose from 78.9% in 1991 to 84.1% in 2021.

Key Findings from the Census

Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole) is the most widely spoken Indigenous language, with 7,596 speakers, followed by Kriol with 7,403 speakers.
Traditional languages like Djambarrpuyngu (3,839 speakers) and Pitjantjatjara (3,399 speakers) show resilience in regions with strong cultural ties.
Communities with higher numbers of speakers often play critical roles in passing languages to younger generations.

Efforts to preserve and promote these languages are vital. Initiatives focusing on intergenerational learning, community engagement, and formal education can help sustain and revitalise this invaluable aspect of Australia’s heritage.

Geographic and Community Distribution

Regional Disparities in Language Use

The 2021 Census highlights significant regional variations in the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages across Australia. The Northern Territory continues to stand out, with 58.5% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people speaking an Indigenous language at home. This is the highest proportion nationwide and reflects the region’s unique demographic, cultural, and geographic characteristics. Many communities in the Northern Territory remain strongly connected to their linguistic and cultural traditions, largely due to their remote locations and community-driven language preservation efforts.

In stark contrast, Tasmania recorded the lowest proportion of speakers, at just 0.6%, underscoring the challenges faced by smaller Indigenous populations in urbanised regions. Similarly, New South Wales (1.9%) and Victoria (1.5%) report lower levels of language use, reflecting historical dislocation and the pressures of maintaining linguistic traditions in densely populated and diverse environments. Meanwhile, Queensland (8.0%) and South Australia (10.1%) show moderate levels of Indigenous language use, reflecting regional differences in cultural practices and historical preservation efforts.

Trends Over Time

While the overall proportion of speakers has decreased slightly, several regions have shown positive growth since 2016. Queensland, for example, recorded a notable increase of 1 percentage point, reflecting successful revitalisation programs and community-led efforts to teach younger generations Indigenous languages. New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory also reported increases in Indigenous language use, each growing by 1.1 percentage points between 2016 and 2021.

However, the Northern Territory, while maintaining its leadership in linguistic engagement, showed a minor decline, dropping from 59.6% in 2016 to 58.5% in 2021. This small decline highlights the continued need for robust language preservation programs, even in regions with strong cultural ties.

Language Use by State and Territory

Here’s a summary of the 2021 Census findings for Indigenous language use across Australia’s states and territories:

State/Territory	Proportion of Speakers (2021)	Change Since 2016
Northern Territory	58.5%	-1.1%
Queensland	8.0%	+1.0%
South Australia	10.1%	+0.4%
Western Australia	12.6%	-0.7%
New South Wales	1.9%	+1.1%
Victoria	1.5%	+0.5%
Tasmania	0.6%	+0.3%
Australian Capital Territory	2.9%	+1.1%

Communities with High Language Concentration

Several Indigenous communities stand out for their high numbers of language speakers, often serving as linguistic and cultural hubs:

Maningrida, NT: 2,198 speakers
Galiwinku, NT: 1,964 speakers
Yarrabah, QLD: 1,958 speakers
Wadeye, NT: 1,575 speakers
Wurrumiyanga (Nguiu), NT: 1,154 speakers

These communities are critical to preserving and transmitting Indigenous languages. Many are located in remote areas, where traditional cultural practices remain strong, and Indigenous languages are integral to daily life. Their efforts often include family-based teaching, community programs, and intergenerational language transfer.

Most Common Languages and Age Demographics

Most Commonly Spoken Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages

The 2021 Census revealed the most widely spoken Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, showcasing their vital role in preserving cultural heritage. Among these, Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole) emerged as the most commonly spoken language, with 7,596 speakers, followed closely by Kriol with 7,403 speakers. These two languages reflect a blend of traditional linguistic elements and adaptations to English, making them highly accessible and widely used across northern Australia.

Traditional languages such as Djambarrpuyngu and Pitjantjatjara continue to play significant roles in cultural and spiritual practices, with 3,839 speakers and 3,399 speakers, respectively. Other notable languages include Warlpiri (2,592 speakers), Murrinh Patha (2,063 speakers), and Tiwi (2,053 speakers), each rooted in specific communities.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the most commonly spoken Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages:

Language	Number of Speakers (2021)	Key Regions
Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole)	7,596	Torres Strait Islands, Northern Queensland
Kriol	7,403	Northern Territory, Northern Queensland
Djambarrpuyngu	3,839	Galiwinku, Ramingining, Milingimbi (Northern Territory)
Pitjantjatjara	3,399	South Australia (Pukatja, Amata, Kaltjiti), Western Australia
Warlpiri	2,592	Yuendumu, Lajamanu, Nyirripi (Northern Territory)
Murrinh Patha	2,063	Wadeye, Palumpa, Nganmarriyanga (Northern Territory)
Tiwi	2,053	Tiwi Islands (Wurrumiyanga, Milikapiti, Pirlangimpi)
Cape York Peninsula Languages	2,688	Yarrabah, Lockhart River, Injinoo (Queensland)
Other Australian Indigenous Languages (nec)	2,863	Palm Island (QLD), Shoalhaven (NSW), Port Macquarie (NSW)

These languages are not just communication tools but also repositories of Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and spiritual practices.

Age Demographics of Language Speakers

The age distribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language speakers reflects the critical role younger generations play in sustaining these languages. In 2021, the median age of speakers was 27 years, signaling strong engagement among younger individuals.

Children aged 0–14 years made up the largest group of speakers, accounting for 32.7% of all Indigenous language users. Languages such as Yumplatok (32.8%), Cape York Peninsula languages (31.4%), and Warlpiri (30.8%) showed particularly high engagement among children, underscoring the success of community-driven language teaching efforts.

By comparison, adults aged 25–44 years constituted 27.5%, and older individuals aged 65 and over accounted for just 5.7%. These figures highlight the need for consistent intergenerational transmission to secure these languages’ futures.

Language Use Among Children

Community-based learning plays a pivotal role in engaging children with Indigenous languages. Remote areas, where traditional cultural practices remain strong, are often at the forefront of these efforts. Programs in schools and community initiatives further reinforce language learning, ensuring younger generations maintain their linguistic heritage.language learning playing a central role. Programs aimed at teaching Indigenous languages in schools further support this trend, especially in regions with high concentrations of speakers.

Challenges and Opportunities in Language Preservation

Challenges in Preserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages

The decline in the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people speaking Indigenous languages is a concerning trend. From 16.4% in 1991 to just 9.5% in 2021, the steady drop reflects the pressures of modernisation, urbanisation, and systemic barriers. Many young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people grow up in environments dominated by English, with limited opportunities to learn and use their ancestral languages.

One of the key challenges is the loss of intergenerational transmission. Census data shows that 78 languages are not spoken by children aged 0–14 years, effectively placing these languages at risk of extinction. Additionally, 50 languages had no reported speakers in 2021, underscoring the urgency of revitalisation efforts.

Other challenges include:

Colonial Impact: Historical policies, such as the Stolen Generations, severed many Indigenous families from their linguistic and cultural heritage.
Limited Resources: Remote communities often lack access to funding and infrastructure for language programs, making it difficult to sustain formal learning initiatives.
Globalisation: The dominance of English in media, education, and government institutions continues to marginalise Indigenous languages.

Efforts to Revitalise Languages

Despite these challenges, numerous initiatives aim to preserve and revitalise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Community-led programs, educational initiatives, and government support have shown promising results in recent years.

Education Programs: Schools in regions like the Northern Territory and Queensland are incorporating Indigenous languages into their curriculums. These efforts not only teach children language skills but also foster pride in their cultural heritage.
Community-Led Learning: Many families and elders are stepping up to teach younger generations through storytelling, songs, and cultural ceremonies. Programs like these are critical in remote areas where formal education infrastructure may be limited.
Government Support: The National Indigenous Languages Report and initiatives under the Closing the Gap framework aim to support language preservation through targeted funding and policies.

The Role of Technology

Technology has emerged as a powerful tool for language preservation. Apps, online dictionaries, and digital storytelling platforms are making Indigenous languages more accessible to younger generations and wider audiences. For example:

Language Learning Apps: Apps like “Ma! Iwaidja” and “Wiradjuri Dictionary” allow users to learn vocabulary and phrases in Indigenous languages.
Social Media: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are being used by Indigenous creators to share language lessons and cultural content.
Archiving Projects: Digital archives, such as those supported by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), preserve recordings of endangered languages for future generations.

Future Opportunities

To secure the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, a multifaceted approach is required. This includes:

1. Increased Funding: Governments must prioritise sustained investment in language education and community programs.
2. Cultural Integration: Embedding Indigenous languages into national narratives, such as place names and public signage, promotes visibility and respect.
3. Collaboration: Partnerships between Indigenous communities, linguists, and educators can drive innovative solutions for language revitalisation.

Summary

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are integral to the cultural fabric of Australia. The 2021 Census data paints a picture of both resilience and vulnerability, with languages like Yumplatok and Kriol thriving, while others teeter on the brink of extinction. By addressing the challenges and embracing opportunities, Australia can ensure these languages endure, fostering a stronger connection between past, present, and future generations.

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