To answer your question:
No, Indigenous Australians did not use the same language.
* Diverse Languages: Australia had a vast array of Indigenous languages spoken before European settlement. It's estimated that there were over 250 distinct languages, and many of these had multiple dialects.
* Geographical Variation: Languages tended to be specific to particular geographic regions, reflecting the different cultural groups and communities that lived across the continent.
* Language Families: While languages were diverse, some shared similarities, suggesting common origins. These languages were grouped into families, such as Pama-Nyungan, which covered a large portion of the continent.
The Impact of Colonization: Sadly, the arrival of European settlers led to a significant decline in Indigenous languages. The policies of assimilation and forced removal of children from their families had a devastating impact on language transmission and cultural continuity.
Reviving Languages: In recent years, there has been a growing movement to revitalize Indigenous languages. Many communities are working hard to document, teach, and pass on their languages to future generations.
It's crucial to recognize the richness and diversity of Indigenous languages and the importance of supporting their preservation.