where a few thousand people use 15 different languages

[Kraut]

https://phys.org/news/2018-12-remote-in ... uages.html

Why so many languages?

One reason there are so many languages in Maningrida is that it was founded
in the late 1950s as a welfare settlement. Later, speakers of many
languages moved to access work and resources.

And, unlike other communities where English, Kriol or a single traditional
language has been promoted - such as those which began as missions -
Maningrida has no lingua franca between all the language groups.

Arnhem Land is a particular "hotspot" for language diversity, and
researchers have described similar levels of multilingualism elsewhere in
the region.

Multilingualism among Aboriginal people serves many purposes besides just
facilitating ordinary day-to-day conversation.

It may also be used to fulfil social and cultural etiquette, to signal
status as a friendly guest on country, to ensure safety from dangerous
spirits, or to enhance storytelling and song.

[SGP]

https://phys.org/news/2018-12-remote-indigenous-thousand-people-languages.html

Why so many languages?

One reason there are so many languages in Maningrida is that it was founded
in the late 1950s as a welfare settlement. Later, speakers of many
languages moved to access work and resources.[...]

Habe gerade wieder mal was neues erfahren.

When thinking of indigenous people living close to each other, many could come to the conclusion that they are always united by a single language. This could have happened to me sometimes, too. But with a magnifying glass, there can be a different result. That is why I really like these glasses.