Dispossession and revival of Indigenous languages

Before British colonisation, over 250 languages and 800 dialects were spoken in Australia.

Before British colonisation, over 250 languages and 800 dialects were spoken in Australia.

Colonisation and government policies suppressed the speaking of these languages, resulting in most becoming endangered or lost.

The third National Indigenous Languages Survey (NILS3) conducted by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) from 2018–2019 found that 123 Indigenous languages are spoken in Australia today. 109 of these are considered endangered, and all are under threat.

Today, communities across Australia are working to revive at least 31 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. The active preservation, recording and promotion of First Australian languages is necessary for their survival.

Curriculum areas

  • Year 10 History
  • Year 11 History
  • Year 12 History

Questions

  • Why are First Australian languages important?
  • What caused First Australians to be dispossessed of their languages?
  • How have attitudes to First Australian languages changed? Provide examples.

Records