The language situation is complex. Of the 32 traditional languages, only Warlpiri is spoken fluently by most of its community. For other languages, it is mainly elderly speakers who speak their language fluently now. Kriol is the contact language now spoken as a first language by most Aboriginal people across the region. It is fair to say that most of the traditional Aboriginal languages of the Katherine Region are endangered, some severely so.

The region is divided in half by the Stuart Highway which cuts its way down the centre of the Northern Territory. Those languages spoken on the west side of the highway, the sun-go-down side, are Warlpiri, Gurindji, Bilinarra, Jaminjung, Gajerong, Karrangpurru, Mudburra, Ngaliwurru, Ngarinyman, Nungali, Wagiman, Dagoman, Wardaman, and Yangman.
Those languages spoken on the east of the highway, the sunrise side, are Alawa, Binbinga, Dalabon, Garrwa, Gurdanji, Jawoyn, Jingulu, Kunwinjku, Mangarrayi, Marra, Mayali, Ngalakgan, Ngandi, Nunggubuyu, Rembarrnga, Ritharrngu, Wagilak and Warndarrang.
Kriol arose earlier this century due to the upheaval created by the European invasion and occupation of Aboriginal lands in the 'cattle belt' of the Northern Territory and Kimberley. It has used some English words but they are often used in a different way, so people hearing Kriol should realise it is a language in its own right and should not be confused with a form of English.

Kriol: ai bing killim det usben bo main jija.
English: I hit my sister's husband.