National Indigenous Languages Surveys

Australia's Indigenous languages are an integral part of our country’s rich cultural heritage, reflecting the unique histories and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These languages hold deep significance, connecting communities to their land, spirituality, and ancestral knowledge. 

The National Indigenous Languages Surveys (NILS) regularly report on the situation and status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages across Australia.  

By understanding the situation and status of these languages, we can work collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure that our languages not only survive but flourish for future generations. 

The upcoming fourth NILS is the main data source for Target 16 of Closing the Gap. NILS data will be essential for informing language strengthening strategies and developing effective policies to support the flourishing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.

The NILS are essential for several reasons: 

• They provide a comprehensive picture of the current situation and status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in Australia.
   
• They identify the languages that are most at risk, informing government and other relevant organisations where to prioritise efforts for preservation. This targeted approach ensures that resources are directed towards the languages that need them most. 
   
• They inform the development of culturally appropriate language revitalisation programs. By understanding the specific needs and challenges of each language community, the Australian Government can tailor its programs to be most effective. 
   
• They raise awareness of the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and promote their use in everyday life. Increased visibility and appreciation can assist in reversing the decline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and ensure their continued vitality. 

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First National Indigenous Languages Survey (NILS1)

NILS1 was conducted in 2007 as a partnership between AIATSIS and the Federation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages (FATSIL). It found that there were 145 Indigenous languages still spoken in Australia. Of these languages, only 18 traditional languages were still being learned by children as their first language, but three or four of these were showing signs of decline in language transmission, and 110 were severely or critically endangered.  

Second National Indigenous Languages Survey (NILS2)

NILS2 was conducted in 2014 as two surveys: a Language Activity Survey completed by organisations and a Language Attitude Survey completed by individuals. NILS2 had an Aboriginal Chief Investigator, Ngarigo linguist Professor Jakelin Troy and a reference group made up of Indigenous language experts around Australia. It found that there were 120 traditional Indigenous languages still spoken in Australia and only 13 traditional languages still being transmitted to children as a first language (a decline of five languages from 2004-05). Of these languages, around 100 were severely or critically endangered.  

The Language Attitude Survey led to the publication of the report “Community, identity, wellbeing: the report of the Second National Indigenous Languages Survey”. This was one of the first publications which provided evidence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ strong conviction that language use is tightly linked to Indigenous wellbeing. NILS2 found that the use of Indigenous languages is linked to several positive wellbeing outcomes, including: 

• Stronger sense of identity 
• Increased connection to culture and community 
• Improved mental and emotional health 
• Greater resilience and adaptability 

Third National Indigenous Languages Survey (NILS3)

NILS3 was conducted in 2019 and contributed data to the National Indigenous Languages Report (NILR), which was published by the Office for the Arts. NILS3 was overseen by an Indigenous reference group made up of language experts around Australia, as well as First Languages Australia. It found that there are 123 Indigenous languages in use or being revitalised in Australia today. Of these, only 12 traditional languages are still being acquired by children as a first language (a decline from 18 in 2004-05 and 13 in 2014-15). However, Kriol and Yumplatok, two new languages are very strong, and their use is growing. 

AIATSIS also published “NILS3 Online”, a web-based report on the situation and status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages in 2018-2019. This includes an interactive map to explore the situation and status of many languages Australia wide.