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There are numerous Australian Aboriginal languages and dialects, many of which are endangered. An endangered language is one that it is at risk of falling out of use, generally because it has few surviving speakers. If it loses all of its native speakers, it becomes an extinct language.
UNESCO defines four levels of language endangerment between "safe" (not endangered) and "extinct":
- Vulnerable
- Definitely endangered
- Severely endangered
- Critically endangered
List
| Language | Alternative names | Speakers | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adithinngithigh language | Adetingiti | Extinct | Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Unwritten language. | |
| Adnyamathanha language, Adynyamathanha language | Ad'n'amadana, Anjimatana, Anjiwatana, Atnyamathanha | 110 (2006) | Severely endangered | SA R. M. W. Dixon classifies Adnyamathanha and Guyani as a single language. Ethnologue treats them as separate, and so they each have their own ISO 639-3 codes. They are traditional languages of the Adnyamathanha of and the Kuyani peoples, of the Flinders Ranges and to the west of the Flinders respectively, in South Australia. |
| Aghu Tharrnggala language | Aghu wititit | Extinct | Cape York Peninsula, Queensland | |
| Alawa language | 12 (2006) | Moribund | Roper River, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory | |
| Alngith dialect | Extinct | Cape York Peninsula, Queensland | ||
| Alyawarre language | Alyawarr | 1660 | Developing | Northern Territory - one of the Arrernte language group |
| Amarag language, Amurdag language | Charlie Mungulda | Extinct | Goulburn Island, Northern Territory. Considered extinct in the 2016 census but Mungulda's death was not reported, even coauthoring a paper in 2020. | |
| Ami language | 5 | Moribund | Daly River, Northern Territory | |
| Andajin language | 2 | Nearly extinct | Kimberley region, Western Australia; may be considered a dialect of Ngarinyin language, which is one of the Worrorran languages | |
| Andegerebinha language | Andigibinha, Antekerrepinhe, Andegerebenha, Antekerrepenhe | 0 (2016) | Dormant | Northern Territory, Hay River, Pituri Creek area, east of Alyawarra. One of the Arrernte language group |
| Anguthimri language | Awngthim, Paman languages | Extinct | Cape York Peninsula, Queensland | |
| Anindilyakwa language | Enindhilyagwa | 1300 | Vulnerable | Groote Eylandt and Bickerton Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria in the Northern Territory |
| Anmatyerre language | 640 (2016) | Developing | NT. One of the Arrernte language group | |
| Antakirinya language, Antakarinya language | 6 | Critically endangered | ||
| Arabana language | 21 | Critically endangered | ||
| Areba language | Extinct | |||
| Aritinngithigh language | Extinct | Qld | ||
| Arrernte language | Upper Arrernte, Aranda, Arunta, Arrarnta | 1,910 Central/Eastern Arrernte; 1,550 Alywarra; other dialects fewer or 0. | Vulnerable | Alice Springs region NT Eastern, Western and Southern; comprises a group of dialects |
| Atampaya language | Extinct | |||
| Australian Aboriginal English | Over 30,000 | Vigorous | Developed post-contact | |
| Australian Aboriginal Pidgin English language | Few | Nearly extinct | Pidgin. Developed post-contact. Has been mostly creolized. | |
| Australian Kriol language | Creole, Pidgin English, Roper-Bamyili Creole | 4,200 | Vigorous | WA, NT & Qld developed post-contact. 10, 000 second language speakers. |
| Awabakal language | Awabakal | 9 | Dormant | NSW. Being revived. Was considered extinct. |
| Ayabadhu language, Ayapathu language | Extinct | |||
| Badimaya language | Widimaya, Parti-Maya | 3 | Nearly extinct | WA |
| Bandjigali language | 4 to 22 | Moribund | ||
| Banjima language, Panytyima language | 50 to 100 | Moribund | ||
| Bardi language | Baadi, Badi, Ba:di, Baardi, Bard | 20 to 150 | Moribund | WA |
| Barngarla language | Bangala, Banggala, Banggarla, Bungeha, Bungela, Pakarla, Pangkala, Pankalla, Parnkala, Parnkalla, Punkalla | Extinct | SA | |
| Barrow Point language | Extinct | |||
| Bayungu language | 2 | Nearly extinct | ||
| Bidyara language, Bidjara language | Bithara, Bitjara | Extinct | Qld | |
| Broome Pearling Lugger Pidgin | Broom Creole, Japanese Pidgin English, Koepang Talk, Malay Talk | 40 | Moribund | WA Developed post-contact, second language speakers only. |
| Bundjalung language, Bandjalang language | 100 | Shifting | NSW | |
| Bunuba language | Bunaba, Bunapa, Punapa | 40 to 110 | Moribund | WA |
| Bunurong language | Extinct | Vic | ||
| Burduna language | Boordoona, Bootena, Boruna, Budina, Budoona, Buduna, Bu-tena, Poodena, Poordoona, Purduma, Purduna | Extinct | WA | |
| Damin language | Demiin | Extinct | Initiation language for men. Qld | |
| Darkinjung language | Darginjang, Darginyung, Darkinjang, Darkinoong, Darkinung, Darkinyun, Darkinyung, Darknung | Extinct | NSW | |
| Dharawal language | Dharawaal, Thurrawal, Thurawal, Turrubul | Extinct | NSW | |
| Dhargari language | 1 | Nearly extinct | ||
| Dharug language | Daruk, Dharruk, Dharuk, Dharug, Darug | Extinct | NSW | |
| Dhauwurdwurung language | Gunditjmara | Extinct | Vic | |
| Dhurga language | Extinct | |||
| Dirari language | Extinct | |||
| Diyari language | Dieri | 13 (2006) | Nearly extinct | Karnic, SA. Program in place to teach and increase usage. |
| Djabwurung language | Tjap-wurrung | Extinct | Vic | |
| Djangun language | Extinct | |||
| Djawi language, Jawi language | Chowie, Djau, Dyawi | Extinct | WA | |
| Djinang language | 100 to 230 | Vigorous | Yolŋu languages | |
| Djiringanj language | Extinct | SE NSW | ||
| Djiwarli language, Jiwarli language | Djiwali, Djwarli, Guwari, Jiwali, Kuwari, Tci-warli, Tjiwarli | Extinct | WA | |
| Doolboong language | Duulngari, Tulpung | Extinct | WA | |
| Dungidjau language | Extinct | |||
| Dyaabugay language, Djabugay language | Djabugai, Dyabugay, Tjapukai | 28 | Moribund | Qld |
| Dyaberdyaber language, Djabirr-Djabirr language | Djaberdjaber, Djaber-Djaber, Jabirr-Jabirr, Jabirrjabirr | Extinct | WA | |
| Dyangadi language | Extinct | |||
| Dyirbal language | 15 to 28 | Moribund | Qld | |
| Dyugun language, Djugun language | Djugan, Djukan, Jookoon | Extinct | WA | |
| Eora language | Iora | Extinct | NSW | |
| Erre language | Extinct | |||
| Flinders Island language | Extinct | Yalgawarra language | ||
| Gaagudju language, Gagadu language | 6 | extinct | ||
| Gajerrong language, Gadjerawang language, Gajirrabeng language | Gadjerong, Gadyerong, Gajirrawoong, Kajirrawung | 3 | Critically endangered | WA & NT |
| Gambera language | Gambere, Gamberre, Gambre, Gamgre, Guwan, Kambera | 6 | WA | |
| Gamilaraay language | Camileroi, Gamilaroi, Kamilaroi, Yuwaalaraay, Wallarai | 105 (2016) | Critically endangered | NSW. It is being revived. |
| Ganggalidda language, Ganggalida language | 5 | Critically endangered | ||
| Garawa language | 40 to 87 speakers | NT | ||
| Garig-Ilgar language | 4 (2003 N Evans) Population includes 3 Ilgar, 1 Garig |
|||
| Giyug language | 2 | |||
| Gooniyandi language | Gunian, Guniandi, Guniyan, Guniyandi, Guniyn, Konejandi, Koneyandi, Kunan, Kunian, Kuniyan | 100 (1990 Schmidt) | Severely endangered | WA |
| Gudanji language | 3 | |||
| Gugadj language | Kukatj | 1 | Qld | |
| Gugu Badhun language | 2 | |||
| Gugubera language, Koko-Bera language, Koko Bera language | Kok Kaber, Kok-Kaper, Kukubera | 15 (1991 SIL) 50 (1990 Schmidt) | Severely endangered | Qld |
| Guguyimidjir language, Guugu Yimithirr language, Guugu Yimidhirr language | Gogo-Yimidjir, Gugu-Gugu Yimijir, Gugu Yimithirr, Koko Imudji, Koko Yimidir, Kuku Jimidir, Kuku Kuku Yimithirr, Kukuyimidir | 20 to 30 (1991 Wayne Rosendale) 200 to 300 know and understand the language but prefer English 400 (1990 Schmidt) |
Vulnerable | Qld |
| Gumbaynggirr language, Kumbainggar language | 10 (2000) | Critically endangered | ||
| Gundungurra language | Gandangara | NSW | ||
| Gungabula language | 2 | |||
| Gunin language | Cuini, Kunan, Goonan, Gunan, Gwini, Gwiini | WA | ||
| Gunya language | 3 | |||
| Gupapuyngu language | Gobabingo, Gubabwingu | 330 | Vulnerable | NT |
| Gurindji Kriol language | Gurindji children's language, Gurinji children's language | NT. Developed post-contact | ||
| Gurrgoni language, Guragone language | 20 (1990 Schmidt) | Vulnerable | ||
| Guwamu language | 1 | |||
| Guwij language | Guidj, Guwidj | WA | ||
| Iwaidja language | 130 | Vulnerable | ||
| Jaminjung language Djamindjung language | Djamindjung | 27 to 130 | Severely endangered | |
| Jardwadjali language | Vic | |||
| Jaru language | Djaru, Jaroo, Tjaru | 350 | WA | |
| Jawoyn language | 20 to 42 | Severely endangered | ||
| Jingulu language, Djingili language | 10 (1997) | Severely endangered | Pama–Nyungan languages, Barkly. NT | |
| Jurruru language | Chooraroo, Churoro, Djuroro, Jururu, Thuraru, Tjuroro, Tjurruru, Tjururu | WA | ||
| Kabi Kabi language | Gabi Gabi, Kabi Kabi, Dippil | Qld | ||
| Kalau Lagau Ya | Kala Lagaw Ya, Kalaw Lagaw Ya, Kalau Kawau Ya, Kalaw Kawau Ya, Lagau Ya | 700 to 1200 | Qld | |
| Kalaamaya language | Galamai, Galamaya, Jaburu, Kaburn, Kalamaia, Kelamai, Natingero, Njindango, Takalako | WA | ||
| Kalaku language | Gala:gu, Galaagu, Kaburn, Kalaaku, Kalako, l, Kalarko, Kallaar, Kallaargu, Karlaku, Malba, Malpa, Marlba | WA | ||
| Kamu language | 2 (1967) | |||
| Kaniyang language | Ganajang, Kaneang, Kaniyan, Kunyung | WA | ||
| Kanju language, Kaantju language | Gandanju, Gandju, Kaantyu, Kamdhue, Kandju, Kandyu, Kanyu, Karnu | 50 | Qld | |
| Karajarri language, Karadjeri language | Garadjari, Garadjeri, Garadjiri, Garadyari, Gard'are, Guradjara, Karrajarri | 12 (1991 SIL) | Critically endangered | WA |
| Kariyarra language | Gariera, Kaierra, Kariara, Kariera, Karriara, Karriarra, Kariyara, Kyeara | WA | ||
| Kaurna language | Critically endangered | SA | ||
| Kawarrangg language | Qld | |||
| Kayardild language | Gajadilt, Gajardild, Gayadilt, Gayardild, Gayardilt, Kaiadilt, Malununda | 6 (2000 Evans) 150 | Critically endangered | Tangkic. Qld, Bentinck Island |
| Kija language | Gidja, Kidja, Kitja, Lunga, Lungga | 210 | Severely endangered | WA |
| Kokata language | 3 | Western Desert Language | ||
| Kok-Nar language | Kok Narr | Qld | ||
| Kukatja language | Gogodja, Gugadja, Gugudja, Kukaja | Vulnerable | WA | |
| Kuku Thaypan language | 2 | Qld | ||
| Kuku Yalanji language | Gugu Guguyalanji, Koko-Yalangi | Severely endangered | Qld | |
| Kuku-Mangk language | 1 | Extinct | ||
| Kuku-Mu'inh language | 7 | |||
| Kuku-Muminh language | 31 | |||
| Kuku-Ugbanh language | 6 | |||
| Kuku-Uwanh language | 40 | |||
| Kullili language | Kullila, Galili | Qld | ||
| Kuluwarrang language | Guluwarin, Kuluwarin | WA | ||
| Kunbarlang language | 50 to 100 (1983 Black) | Severely endangered | ||
| Kunggara language | 10 (1971 SIL) | |||
| Kunggari language | 10 | |||
| Kunja language | Qld | |||
| Kunjen language | 20 to 25 (1991 Bruce Sommer) 40 with some knowledge 300 (1991 Bruce Sommer) |
Critically endangered | ||
| Kunwinjku language | 1200 to 2000 | Vulnerable | NT | |
| Kurrama language | Gurama, Karama, Karima, Kerama, Korama, Korima, Kurama | 50 | Critically endangered | WA |
| Kurtjar language, Gurdjar language | Kurtjjar, Kurrtjar | 30 | Extinct | Qld |
| Kuthant language | 3 | Qld | ||
| Kuuk Thaayorre language | Gugudayor, Kuktayor, Kukudayore, Kuuk Thaayoore, Kuuk Taior, Thaayore, Thayore, Thayorre | 24 | Definitely endangered | Qld |
| Kuuku Ya'u language | Koko-Ja'o, Kokoyao, Kuuku-Ya'u, Ya'o | Critically endangered | Qld | |
| Kuurinji language, Gurindji language | Gurinji, Kuurrinyji | 225 to 900 | Definitely endangered | NT |
| Kuyani language | Guyani, Kijani, Kwiani | SA extinct. R. M. W. Dixon classifies Adnyamathanha and Guyani as a single language. Ethnologue treats them as separate, and so they each have their own ISO 639-3 codes | ||
| Lairmairrener language | Central Tas | |||
| Lamu-Lamu language | 1 | |||
| Laragia language | 6 (1983 Black) | |||
| Lardil language | Leerdil | 2 (2000 Evans) | Critically endangered | Qld moribund |
| Larrakia language | 29 | NT | ||
| Limilngan language | 3 | |||
| Linngithigh language | Leningitij, Linngithig | Qld | ||
| Lower Burdekin languages | ||||
| Luthigh language | Qld | |||
| Matngele language, Madngele language | 15 to 20 (1983 Black), 10 (estimate fieldwork 2013) |
Critically endangered | NT | |
| Malgana language | Malngin, Maljanna, Maldjana, Malkana | WA | ||
| Malyangaba language | Maljangapa, Maljangpa, Maljangaba, Malya-napa, Mullia-arpa, Mulya-napa, Mulya-nappa, Malynapa, Maljapa, Malyapa, Karikari, Bulali | SA | ||
| Manda language | 25 (1983 Black) | |||
| Mandandanyi language | 1 | |||
| Mangarla language, Mangala language | Manala, Mangalaa, Maŋala, Minala | 63 | Critically endangered | WA |
| Mangarrayi language, Mangarayi language | 50 (1983 Black) | Critically endangered | ||
| Mangerr language | 1 | |||
| Mara language, Marra language | 15 (1991 M Sharpe) | NT | ||
| Maranunggu language | 15 to 20 (1983 Black) | |||
| Margany language | 1 | |||
| Maridan language | 20 | |||
| Marimanindji language | 15 (1983 Black) | |||
| Maringarr language | 30 to 40 (1983 Black) | Critically endangered | ||
| Mariyedi language | 20 | |||
| Marrgu language, Margu language | 1 (2000 Evans) | Extinct | ||
| Marrisyefin language, Maridjabin language | 20 (1970 Oates) | Critically endangered | ||
| Marrithiyel language, Marithiel language | 25 (1983 Black) | Critically endangered | ||
| Marti Ke language | 10 (2001 Alexander) 100 | |||
| Martuwangka language | Vulnerable | |||
| Martuyhunira language, Martuthunira language | Maratunia, Mardadhunira, Mardathon, Mardathoni, Mardathoonera, Mardatuna, Mardatunera, Mardudhoonera, Mardudhunera, Mardudhunira, Mardudjungara, Marduduna, Mardudunera, Marduthunira, Mardutunera, Mardutunira, Marduyunira, Martuthinya, and | 5 | WA extinct | |
| Maung language | 260 | Vulnerable | ||
| Maya language (Australia) | Maia, Maja | WA | ||
| Mayaguduna language | 2 | |||
| Mbabaram language | Barbaram | 2 | Qld | |
| Mbara language (Australia) | ||||
| Mbariman-Gudhinma language | 3 | |||
| Mbiywom language | Qld | |||
| Meriam Mir language | 160 to 210 | Definitely endangered | ||
| Miriwoong language, Miriwung language | 10 to 20 (1990 Schmidt) | Critically endangered | ||
| Miwa language | Bagu, Miwi, Pela | 4 | WA | |
| Mpakwithi dialect | Qld | |||
| Mpalityanh language | Qld | |||
| Mudburra language, Mudbura language | 50 (1983 Black) | Severely endangered | ||
| MalakMalak, MullukMulluk | 9 to 11 (1988 SIL), 11 (estimate fieldwork 2013) |
Severely endangered | ||
| Muluridyi language | 1 | |||
| Munumburru language | Munumburu | WA | ||
| Muruwari language | Muruwarri, Murawari, Murawarri | 1 | Qld | |
| Nakkara language | 50 (2006) | Severely endangered | Arnhem Land, NT | |
| Nauo language | Nawu, Nhawu, Nawo, Njao | Extinct | Eyre Peninsula, South Australia | |
| Ndjébbana language | Djeebbana, Kunibidji, Gunavidji, Gunivugi, Gombudj | 240 (2006) | Endangered | Liverpool River, Arnhem Land, NT |
| Ngaanyatjarra language | 700 to 1000 (2006) | Vulnerable | Warburton, Western Australia | |
| Ngaatjatjara language | Ngaatjatjara, Ngaadadjarra | 12 (2005) | Moribund | Warburton, Western Australia |
| Ngadjunmaya language | 10, 0 (2007) | Extinct | Goldfields-Esperance, WA | |
| Ngadjuri language | Extinct | SA | ||
| Ngalakan language | 10, 0 (2004) | Extinct | Roper River, Northern Territory | |
| Ngaliwuru language | Jaminjung | 27 to 130 (2006) | Critically endangered | Victoria River (Northern Territory) |
| Ngalkbun language, Dalabon language | Buin, Boun, Buan, Bouin, Buwan, Dangbon, Gundangbon, Ngalabon, Ngalkbon, Nalabon | 15 (2006) | Moribund | Arnhem Land, Northern Territory |
| Ngamini language | 2 | Extinct | SA | |
| Ngandi language | 9 (2006) | Critically endangered | NT | |
| Ngan'gityemerri language | Ngan.gi-tjemerri, Nangikurrunggurr | 110 to 180 | Endangered | Daly River, NT |
| Ngardi language | Ngadi, Narti, Ngati | 10 to 14 (2006) | Moribund | NT, WA |
| Ngarigo language | Ngarigu | Moribund by early 20th C, now extinct. | Centred on Monaro region NSW, ACT, VIC | |
| Ngarinman language | 592 (2006) | Severely endangered | Northern Territory | |
| Ngarinyin language | Ungarinjin, Eastern Worrorran | Moribund | Northern Kimberley, WA | |
| Ngarla language | 8 (1991), 0 (2015) 10 partial speakers |
Extinct | Port Hedland, WA | |
| Ngarluma language | Gnalluma, Gnalooma, Gnalouma, Ngallooma, Ngalluma, Ngalooma, Ngaluma | 11 to 42 (2006) | Critically endangered | WA |
| Ngarnawu language | Ngarnaw | 56 to 58 (2009) | Moribund | Northern Kimberley, WA |
| Ngarnka language | Pama–Nyungan languages | Extinct | Barkly Tableland, Northern Territory | |
| Ngawun language | 1 | Extinct | Cape York Peninsula, Queensland | |
| Ngkoth language | Extinct | Qld | ||
| Ngumbarl language | Ngoombarl, Ngormbal, Ngumbal | Extinct | WA | |
| Ngunawal language | Ngunnawal, Burragorang, Gundungurra | Extinct | NSW/ACT | |
| Ngurmbur language | 1 | Extinct | Arnhem Land, Northern Territory | |
| Nhanta language | Nhanda | "A Handful" (2001) | Moribund | WA |
| Nhuwala language | Ngoala, Noala, Noalla, Nooela, Nuela | No L1 Speakers | Dormant | WA |
| Nijadali language | Nyiyaparli | 3 (2006) | Moribund | WA |
| Nimanbur language | 2 | Extinct | Dampier Peninsula. WA | |
| Ntra'ngith language | Extinct | Cape York Peninsula, Queensland | ||
| Nuenonne language | Nyunoni | Extinct | SE Tas | |
| Nungali language | 2 | Extinct | Daly River, Northern Territory | |
| Nunggubuyu language | 272 (2016) | Severely endangered | Numbulwar, Northern Territory | |
| Nyamal language | Gnamo, Namel, Njamal, Njamarl, Nyamel | 20 to 34 (2006) | Severely endangered | Pilbara, WA |
| Nyangga language | Yukulta | 1 | Extinct | Queensland & Northern Territory |
| Nyangumarta language | 250 to 310 | Vulnerable | WA | |
| Nyawaygi language | Extinct | NE Queensland | ||
| Nyikina language, Nyigina language | 20 to 68 (2006) | Severely endangered | Fitzroy River, WA | |
| Nyininy language | Njining, Njininj, Nyinin | 350 (2006) | Endangered | WA |
| Nyulnyul language | Njul-Njul, Nyol-Nyol, Nyoolnyool, Nyul Nyul | Extinct | WA | |
| Nyungar language | Noongar | 232 (dialects 8,000) | Endangered | WA |
| Okunjan language | Ogh-Undjan, Ogondyan | 2 (2005) | Moribund | Cape York Peninsula, Queensland |
| Paakantyi language, Darling language | Baagandji, Kula, Pama–Nyungan | 4 to 22 (2006) | Critically endangered | Darling River, NSW |
| Pakanha language | No L1 speakers (2007 Wurm) | Dormant | Cape York Peninsula, Queensland | |
| Paredarerme language | Extinct | Tas | ||
| Peerapper language | Extinct | Tas | ||
| Peramangk language | Poonawatta, Tarrawatta, Karrawatta, Yira-Ruka, Wiljani, Mutingengal, Runganng, Jolori, Pongarang, Paldarinalwar, Merelda. | Descendants still exist | Adelaide Hills, SA | |
| Pini language | 10 | Moribund | Western Desert language | |
| Pinigura language | Dhalandji | 6 (2005) | Moribund | WA |
| Pintupi language | 203 | Vulnerable | NT, WA | |
| Pitjantjatjara language | 2700 | Vulnerable | NT, SA, WA | |
| Pitta Pitta language | 2 | Extinct | Boulia, Queensland | |
| Plangermaireener language | Extinct | Tas | ||
| Popham Bay language | Wurrugu | Extinct | NT | |
| Pyemmairre language | Extinct | Tas | ||
| Rembarrnga language | 10 to 38 (2006) | Critically endangered | Roper River, NT | |
| Ritharrngu language | 32 (2006) | Critically endangered | Northern Territory | |
| Tharkarri language | 20 | Critically endangered | Pilbara, WA | |
| Thaua language | Thoorga, Durga, Dhurga | Extinct | South Coast of NSW | |
| Thiin language | Extinct | WA | ||
| Tiwi language | 1700 | Vulnerable | Tiwi Islands | |
| Tommeginne language | Extinct | NNW Tas | ||
| Toogee language | Extinct | SW Tas | ||
| Tyaraity language | 8 (2015) | Moribund | Daly River, Northern Territory | |
| Tyerremotepanner language | Extinct | NNE Tas | ||
| Umbindhamu language | 6 | Extinct | Cape York Peninsula, Queensland | |
| Umbugarla language | 3 | Extinct | Arnhem Land, NT | |
| Umbuygamu language | 7 | Extinct | Queensland | |
| Umiida language | Umida, Umi:da | 4 to 22 (2005) | Moribund | WA |
| Umpila language | 12 (2005) | Severely endangered | Cape York Peninsula, Qld | |
| Unggarangu language | Unggarangi | 4 to 22 (2005) | Moribund | WA |
| Unggumi language | Ungkami, Wunggumi | 4 to 22 (2005) | Moribund | WA |
| Uradhi language | 2 | Extinct | Cape York Peninsula, Qld | |
| Urningangg language | Mangerr, Giimbiyu | 10 (1983 Black) | Extinct | Arnhem Land, NT |
| Uw Olkola language | Olkola, Olgolo, Kunjen | 2 (2005) | Moribund | Cape York Peninsula, Qld |
| Uw Oykangand language | Oykangand, Kunjen | 2 (2005) | Moribund | Cape York Peninsula, Qld |
| Waanyi language | Critically endangered | Garawa. Qld | ||
| Wadjiginy language | 12 (1988 SIL) | |||
| Wadjigu language | 1 | |||
| Wagaya language | 10 (1983 Black) | |||
| Wagiman language, Wageman language | 10 (2000) | Severely endangered | ||
| Wajarri language | Watjari, Watjarri, Wadjari, Wadjeri | 50 (1981 W Douglas) 200 or fewer (1981 W Douglas) |
Severely endangered | WA |
| Wakawaka language | 3 | |||
| Walangama language | Qld | |||
| Walbanga language | Pama–Nyungan languages, Yuin–Kuric languages, Yuin. South Coast of New South wales | |||
| Walmajarri language | Tjiwaling, Tjiwarlin | 500 to 520 | Definitely endangered | |
| Wambaya language | 12 | Critically endangered | Pama–Nyungan languages, Barkly. NT | |
| Wamin language | 1 | |||
| Wandandian language | Pama–Nyungan languages, Yuin-Kuric, Yuin. South Coast of New South wales | |||
| Wangaaybuwan language, Wangaaybuwan-Ngiyambaa language | 12 | Critically endangered | ||
| Wangai language | Wongai or Wankai | 200-300 | Goldfields of Western Australia | |
| Wanggamala language | 1 | |||
| Wangganguru language | 8 | |||
| Wangkajunga language | Wangkatjungka, Wonggadjunggu | WA | ||
| Wangkumara language, Ngura language | Wanggumara | 6 Population includes 1 Punthamara, 4 Wongkumara, 2 Badjiri, and 1 Kalali |
Critically endangered | Qld |
| Wanyjirra language | Wandjira, Wandjirra, Wanjira | NT | ||
| Waray language | Warray, Wulwulam (dialect), Ngorrkkowo (dialect) | 4 | Extinct | Adelaide River, NT |
| Wardaman language | 50 (1983 Black) | Severely endangered | WA | |
| Warlmanpa language | 50 | |||
| Warlpiri language | 2500 | Vulnerable | ||
| Warluwara language | 3 | |||
| Warnman language, Wanman language | 20 (1973 SIL) | Severely endangered | ||
| Warrgamay language | 3 | |||
| Warrungu language | Warrangu, Warrango | Qld | ||
| Warrwa language | Warwa, Warwar | 2 (2001 McGregor) | WA | |
| Warumungu language | 50 to 310 | Severely endangered | ||
| Warungu language | 2 | |||
| Western Desert language | See article for the various dialects | 7400 | WA, NT & SA | |
| Wik Me'nh language | Qld | |||
| Wik Mungkan language | 1050 | Vulnerable | ||
| Wik Ngathan language | Definitely endangered | |||
| Wik-Epa language | 3 | |||
| Wik-Iiyanh language | 40 | |||
| Wik-Keyangan language | 3 | |||
| Wik-Me'anha language | 12 | |||
| Wik-Ngatharr language | Wik-Ngathara, Wik-Ngatharr, Wik-Ngatharra, Wik-Ngathrr, Wikngatara | Qld | ||
| Wikngenchera language, Wik Ngencherr language | 50 (1970 Oates) | Severely endangered | ||
| Wilawila language | Wila-Wila | 2 | WA | |
| Winyjarrumi language | Windjarumi | WA | ||
| Wiradjuri language, Wiradhuri language | 3 | Critically endangered | ||
| Wirangu language | Warrangoo, Wirongu, Wironguwongga, Wirrung, Wirrunga | 2 | SA | |
| Woiwurrung language | Woiwurrong, Woiworung | Pama–Nyungan languages, Kulin. Vic extinct | ||
| Wolyamidi language | Woldjamidi, Wol'jamidi, Wolyamidi | WA | ||
| Worimi language | NSW extinct | |||
| Worrorra language, Worora language | 20 (1990 Schmidt) | Critically endangered | ||
| Wulna language | 1 | |||
| Wunambal language | Unambal, Wunambul | 20 (1990 A Schmidt) | Critically endangered | WA |
| Wurla language | Ola, Worla, Wula | WA | ||
| Yandruwandha language | Yandrruwantha | 2 | SA & Qld | |
| Yankunytjatjara language | 70 to 560 | Definitely endangered | ||
| Yan-nhangu language, Jarnango language | 40 (1983 Black) | Definitely endangered | ||
| Yanyuwa language | 70 to 130 | Severely endangered | ||
| Yaran language | Bindjali | Extinct | SA | |
| Yawarawarga language | Yawarrawarrka | 1 | SA & Qld | |
| Yawijibaya language | Jawdjibara, Yaudjibara, Yawjibarra | WA | ||
| Yawuru language | Jauor, Yaoro, Yawooroo | 30 (2001 K Hosokawa) | WA | |
| Yidiny language | Idin, Idindji, Idinji, Jidindji, Yetinji, Yiddinji, Yidin, Yidindji, Yidini, Yitintyi | 12 | Qld | |
| Yiiji language | Jeidji, Yeidji | 20 (1990 A Schmidt) | Critically endangered | WA |
| Yindjilandji language | 1 | |||
| Yinggarda language | Inggarda, Ingara, Ingarda, Ingarra, Ingarrah, Inparra, Jinggarda, Yingkarta, Kakarakala | 5 | WA | |
| Yinhawangka language | Inawonga, Innawonga, Inyawonga | WA | ||
| Yinwum language | Qld | |||
| Yir Yoront language | 15 (1991 Bruce Sommer) | Extinct | ||
| Yir-Thangedl language | Qld | |||
| Yorta Yorta language | Vic | |||
| Yukulta language | Jokula | Qld, Doomagee region | ||
| Yulparija language | Julbaridja, Julbre, Yulbaridya, Yurlparija | WA | ||
| Yuwaaliyaay language | Euahlayi, Yuwaalayaay | NSW |
References
- ^ Moseley, Christopher; Nicolas, Alexander, eds. (2010). Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger (PDF) (3rd ed.). Paris: UNESCO. ISBN 978-92-3-104096-2. Archived from the original on 23 July 2022.
- List of Australian Aboriginal languages at Ethnologue (25th ed., 2022)
- List of Australian Aboriginal languages at Ethnologue (25th ed., 2022)
- L17 Dieri at the Australian Indigenous Languages Database, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
- Wurm, Stephen A. (2007). "Australasia and the Pacific". In Moseley, Christopher (ed.). Encyclopedia of the World's Endangered Languages. Routledge. pp. 425–578. doi:10.4324/9780203645659-12. ISBN 978-0-7007-1197-0.
- ^ Wurm, Stephen A.; Hattori, Shirō, eds. (1981). "Language atlas of the Pacific area, part 1: New Guinea area, Oceania, Australia". Pacific Linguistics: Series C. 66. Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University.
- Koch, Harold (2016). "Documentary sources on the Ngarigu language: the value of a single recording" (PDF). In Austin, Peter K.; Koch, Harold; Simpson, Jane (eds.). Language, land and song: Studies in honour of Luise Hercus. EL Publishing. pp. 145–157. ISBN 978-0-728-60406-3.
External links
Some of these sources conflict to some degree with one another.
- Aboriginal Australia map, a guide to Aboriginal language, tribal and nation groups published by AIATSIS
- AUSTLANG Australian Indigenous Languages Database at AIATSIS
- Australian language family trees
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Editor: David Nathan
- South Australian Museum