What language is aboriginal?

Answer 1

There is no single language known as aboriginal. There were around 500-600 different aboriginal languages in Australia prior to European settlement.

To see a list of the different known aboriginal dialects, go to the related link below.

Answer 2

Aboriginal people are experts when it comes to language. Before the invasion many were able to speak at least two or three and up to five languages or dialects fluently. Because they had an oral culture they were masters in remembering, contrary to the dominant western culture today who relies on the written word.

"[Aboriginal] language is an important embodiment of cultural heritage, knowledge, tradition and identity unique to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," says Russell Taylor, Principal of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) [18].

Even if language is acquired later in life it can instill a sense of wellbeing and belonging for many Indigenous people who have lost ties to their culture [23].

Aboriginal people "often don't even know that [their mother] language is still strong and people speak it. When we show that to them it just blows their mind," says Ken Walker, NSW North Coast Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal language teacher [23].

Answer 3

The language of Australian Aborigines is distinct from any other language. Its speech patterns are not replicated by any other cultural group.

The Aborigines of Australia had over 250 languages between their 600+ cultural groups prior to European settlement.

Answer 4

There were a number of tribal languages depending on region, these are collectively known as "aboriginal" or "aboriginal tongue"

Answer 5

Depends on what tribe they belong to and what country the live in.

Answer 6

Aboriginals speak many different languages. In Canada alone, there are 11 different language groups, with 65 dialects. Australia's Aboriginals have language sets.