Links between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language use and wellbeing

The Mayi Kuwayu Study Team has been working with First Languages Australia to explore the links between language use and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.
Preliminary results from over 9,000 participants in the first wave of the Mayi Kuwayu Study showed that language use is linked with several measures of wellbeing. For example, participating in a language program is associated with positive wellbeing benefits, such as good general health, high happiness, high life satisfaction, and cultural connectedness. A summary of results is available here.

This research also shows that around four in ten (40.2%) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults speak any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander words or language. This includes 5.8% who speak a lot of language, 4.2% who speak a fair bit of language, and 30.2% who speak a little bit of language.

The study found that around 41.7% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults are learning one or more Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander languages, and a further 17% said they want to learn language but can’t.

To connect with a local language program or to find out about the work of First Languages Australia, see www.firstlanguages.org.au

The Mayi Kuwayu Study team appreciates the time and effort you take in participating in the Study. Your stories help us work with organisations like First Languages Australia so that collectively we can help produce better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Thank you for sharing your stories.

Read the summary here – https://mkstudy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Summary_MKFLA_language-wellbeing_240829.pdf