Cultural diversity
Language used at home
About this topic
Language used at home shows which languages people speak in their home life and whether English or another language is used most often. It is a key indicator of cultural diversity and language retention within communities.
This topic is useful for planning communication, multicultural services, and local engagement. It should be analysed together with proficiency in English and birthplace, because language alone does not show migration history or support needs.
Interpretation notes
- The Census records the language used most often at home, so it does not capture every language a person can speak.
- Language used at home is not a measure of English proficiency, literacy, or migration history on its own.
Key insight
In 2021, Pitjantjatjara was the most common language used at home among residents in Anangu Pitjantjatjara (AC), accounting for 69% (1,602 people). This share was higher than Regional SA (0.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Yankunytjatjara, which increased by 174 people and 7.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Anangu Pitjantjatjara (AC) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Anangu Pitjantjatjara (AC) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Anangu Pitjantjatjara (AC), with comparison markers for Regional SA.
Pitjantjatjara
2021 count
1,602
% of total
69.0%
Change from 2016
+3.7pp
1,602
69.0%
+3.7pp
English
2021 count
256
% of total
11.0%
Change from 2016
-1.9pp
256
11.0%
-1.9pp
Yankunytjatjara
2021 count
247
% of total
10.6%
Change from 2016
+7.4pp
247
10.6%
+7.4pp
Not stated
2021 count
99
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
-7.1pp
99
4.3%
-7.1pp
Ngaanyatjarra
2021 count
20
% of total
0.9%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
20
0.9%
+0.7pp
Warlpiri
2021 count
19
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
19
0.8%
+0.5pp
Luritja
2021 count
16
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
-
16
0.7%
-
Other Australian Indigenous Languages, nec
2021 count
14
% of total
0.6%
Change from 2016
-
14
0.6%
-
Eastern Arrernte
2021 count
11
% of total
0.5%
Change from 2016
-
11
0.5%
-
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Pitjantjatjara
+119
+3.7pp
English
-36
-1.9pp
Yankunytjatjara
+174
+7.4pp
Not stated
-161
-7.1pp
Ngaanyatjarra
+15
+0.7pp
Warlpiri
+12
+0.5pp
Data table
Language used at home for Anangu Pitjantjatjara (AC). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | pp | |
| Pitjantjatjara | 1,602 | 69.0% | 0.5% | 1,483 | 65.3% | 0.5% | +119 | +3.7pp |
| English | 256 | 11.0% | 87.7% | 292 | 12.9% | 87.9% | -36 | -1.9pp |
| Yankunytjatjara | 247 | 10.6% | 0.1% | 73 | 3.2% | 0.0% | +174 | +7.4pp |
| Not stated | 99 | 4.3% | 6.9% | 260 | 11.4% | 7.1% | -161 | -7.1pp |
| Ngaanyatjarra | 20 | 0.9% | 0.0% | 5 | 0.2% | 0.0% | +15 | +0.7pp |
| Warlpiri | 19 | 0.8% | 0.0% | 7 | 0.3% | 0.0% | +12 | +0.5pp |
| Luritja | 16 | 0.7% | 0.0% | - | - | 0.0% | - | - |
| Other Australian Indigenous Languages, nec | 14 | 0.6% | 0.0% | - | - | 0.0% | - | - |
| Eastern Arrernte | 11 | 0.5% | 0.0% | - | - | - | - | - |
| Total | 2,323 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,272 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +51 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.