NILS3 is the third time AIATSIS has carried out the National Indigenous Languages Survey.
AIATSIS carried out the first National Indigenous Languages Survey (NILS1) in 2005. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, schools, language centres and linguists responded to the survey. NILS1 found that 145 Indigenous languages were still spoken and that 110 of these languages were severely or critically endangered. Eighteen languages were considered strong because all age groups were speaking them (Commonwealth of Australia 2005, p. 3).
AIATSIS carried out the second National Indigenous Languages Survey (NILS2) in 2014. This survey had two parts: a Language Activity Survey for organisations and a Language Attitude Survey for individuals. NILS2 found that 120 Indigenous languages were still spoken, a drop from 145 in 2005. Thirteen languages could be considered strong because all age groups were speaking them, a drop from 18 in 2005 (Marmion, Obata & Troy 2014, p. xii).
NILS2 also found that 98% of respondents agreed that the use of traditional languages improves the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and strengthens their sense of belonging to culture, community and Country. Use of traditional language also strengthens Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ self-esteem, pride and positive feelings in general (Marmion, Obata & Troy 2014, pp. 29-30). Making language stronger makes people, family and community stronger.