Cultural diversity
Language spoken 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, Alyawarr was the most common language used at home among residents in Davenport (NT), accounting for 45.7% (69 people). This share was higher than Barkly (R) (27.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Alyawarr, which increased by 39 people and 28.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Davenport (NT) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language spoken at home for Davenport (NT) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Barkly (R) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Davenport (NT), with comparison markers for Barkly (R).
Alyawarr
English
Not stated
Kaytetye
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Alyawarr
+39
+28.8pp
English
-24
-8.5pp
Not stated
+4
+4.2pp
Kaytetye
+6
+4.3pp
Data table
Language spoken at home for Davenport (NT). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Barkly (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Barkly (R)% | Count | % | Barkly (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Alyawarr | 69 | 45.7% | 27.4% | 30 | 16.9% | 21.2% | +39 | +28.8pp |
| English | 52 | 34.4% | 41.2% | 76 | 42.9% | 40.0% | -24 | -8.5pp |
| Not stated | 20 | 13.2% | 8.9% | 16 | 9.0% | 10.4% | +4 | +4.2pp |
| Kaytetye | 10 | 6.6% | 0.8% | 4 | 2.3% | 1.0% | +6 | +4.3pp |
| Total | 151 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 177 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -26 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.