'In Australia, roughly 90% of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages still spoken today are considered endangered, and many communities are doing extraordinary work to protect, promote and pass on their languages. These languages are at the core of our memories, our expression and our ability to sustain our cultures and identities, and their destruction has had profound on Aboriginal people in Australia since 1788.
'There were more than 250 languages spoken in Australia before 1788, and even more dialects. Our languages are among the oldest on the planet, and include ancient sign languages and non-verbal forms of communicating still practised throughout Australia.' (Exhibition introduction)
