The combination of languages spoken in a given place, known as language ecology, matters for the wellbeing of Indigenous language speakers, according to a new study from the Australian National University (ANU). 

The different languages First Nations communities speak are a fundamental part of their social and emotional wellbeing, encompassing mental, physical, cultural and spiritual dimensions of health.

While previous research has linked speaking an Indigenous language with better wellbeing outcomes, it hasn’t considered where and how the languages are used. 

A recent ANU study addresses this gap, revealing that the positive effects of speaking an Indigenous language are not only the result of learning and using a language. Rather, they depend on a more complex interplay of factors, including the extent to which a language is spoken and accepted in the place where speakers live—known as 'language ecology'. 

In Australia, language ecologies fall into three general categories: areas where traditional Indigenous languages are the primary language; those where new Indigenous contact languages are the main language spoken, and those where varieties of English are used as a first language. 

Figure 1: Language ecology map of Australia. The map shows that traditional and new Indigenous languages are mostly spoken as the everyday means of communication in remote Australia. Brenda Thornley (2024).

Study lead author Dr Yonatan Dinku explains that the ‘ecology’ where individuals reside can directly impact their wellbeing. 

“Our research shows that, in communities where Indigenous languages are predominant, speaking either a traditional or new language is positively associated with higher wellbeing and lower psychological stress,” he said.

“Conversely, in environments where English is widely spoken, Indigenous language use correlates with increased psychological distress, due perhaps to factors such as social isolation, cultural disconnection and discrimination.” 

Co-authors Dr Francis Markham, Dr Denise Angelo, and Professor Emerita Jane Simpson emphasise the need to acknowledge and distinguish between language ecologies to better understand how speaking a language affects social and emotional wellbeing. 

 “First Nations are not all the same from a language perspective. Speaking an Indigenous language in a place where many people speak it provides more contexts for expressing oneself than a place where few speak it. This is why different language ecologies matter—they impact speakers and their communities differently,” Dr Angelo said. 

The study also underscores the need to include "new" Indigenous languages, such as Kriol, in education programs and policies.  

“New Indigenous languages like creoles represent a fusion of linguistic influences and are the languages spoken by people as their main everyday language in many northern Australian communities and the Torres Strait,” Dr Angelo said.

“Our study finds that these new languages also have a significant impact on speaker wellbeing, challenging existing assumptions and policy frameworks that focus only on traditional languages.

“Policymakers rarely address the specific needs of speakers of new Indigenous languages and they are not currently included in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. 

“This historical oversight has led the government to underestimate both the need for community language services, such as interpreting and translating, and language-based education incorporating teaching in both an Individual’s first language and English."

From L to R: Dr Yonatan Dinku, Dr Francis Markham and Dr Denise Angelo. The group's findings are informing a project funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), Understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander languages ecologies, where Indigenous researchers from across Australia are currently producing practical materials to get the language ecologies message across. 

Professor Simpson explains that many Indigenous speakers of traditional and new languages cannot use them to access essential services such as schools, universities, banks and courts. 

“These services are still delivered by default entirely in English. Policy settings that strengthen the languages of these speakers will obviously differ to those whose languages are being revived and learned,” she said. 

The authors call for a language ecology approach to target 16 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which aims to increase the number and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages spoken by 2031. 

“We need more nuanced, context-specific policies. A language ecology approach to differentiating target 16 initiatives would respect language diversity, ensuring no context is left behind,” Dr Markham said. 

“Our research shows that this approach can be usefully applied to recognise and work with different patterns of Indigenous multilingualism across the entire continent. 

“Only by systematically recognising the different roles of languages in people's lives in different places can we better understand the connections between language and wellbeing.”