Before colonisation, more than 250 languages were spoken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Traditional First Languages were stolen and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were forced to speak English. Today, approximately 120 first languages are still spoken. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to preserve and revitalise First Languages. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are multi-lingual and may speak Traditional First Languages and/or dialects of First Languages as well as Aboriginal English.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people describe First Languages as central to identity, culture, knowledge, and wellbeing. First Languages are more than just communication, and more than just words. The sovereign right to access First Languages is essential for cultural empowerment, knowledge sharing, a sense of strength and belonging.
Ensuring the revival and preservation of First Languages is an essential part of Australia's reconciliation journey. Australian communities can support and encourage use of First Languages by being open to different communication experiences and curious about shared meanings. Respecting languages in this way encourages diversity and strengthens communities.
The Communication Hub pays respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and acknowledges the power and importance of communication through First Languages, their dialects, and through Aboriginal English.