First Nations language speakers

The outlook for First Nations languages is bleak. In its 2016 Census, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded more than 150 actively spoken languages. To be considered 'active' the language had to have at least one speaker. 56 languages had no speakers anymore. ^[1]

The most commonly spoken First Nations languages in 2016 were:

• Kriol (7,108 speakers)
• Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole) (6,000 speakers)
• Djambarrpuyngu (4,264 speakers)
• Pitjantjatjara (3,054 speakers)
• Warlpiri (2,276 speakers)

The tables below gives the number of speakers for Aboriginal languages as recorded in the 2006 Census. ^[2]

Note: Present figures may vary for several reasons:

• Different criteria for speakerhood. Some Aboriginal people identify as a 'speaker' just because they belong to that language group and use some of its words in an overall context of speaking Aboriginal English.
• Identifying with a language no longer spoken. Similarly, Aboriginal people might identify as a 'speaker' although the language is no longer spoken.
• Not giving information. Some traditional language speakers might choose not to share information relating to their cultural language practices when responding to the census survey. More than 8% in the 2006 census gave no further details than "Australian Indigenous Language". ^[3]
• Language revitalisation projects.Language revitalisation and preservation programs can bring back formerly 'extinct' languages, so the current number of speakers is higher than the number reported in the census.

Fact There were more speakers of Polish, Macedonian and German in Australia in 2001 than speakers of Aboriginal languages. ^[4]

Click on the table headings to sort by name or number of speakers.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

New South Wales (NSW)

Northern Territory (NT)

Queensland (QLD)

Gureng

South Australia (SA)

Tasmania (TAS)

Torres Strait Islands

Victoria (VIC)

Western Australia (WA)