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, English was the most common language used at home among residents in Tablelands (NT), accounting for 74.9% (131 people). This share was higher than Barkly (R) (41.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Warumungu, which decreased by 37 people and 16.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Tablelands (NT) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Tablelands (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 Tablelands (NT), with comparison markers for Barkly (R).
English
2021 count
131
% of total
74.9%
Change from 2016
+17.2pp
131
74.9%
+17.2pp
Not stated
2021 count
26
% of total
14.9%
Change from 2016
+9.3pp
26
14.9%
+9.3pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+7
+17.2pp
Not stated
+14
+9.3pp
Data table
Language used at home for Tablelands (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 | |
| English | 131 | 74.9% | 41.2% | 124 | 57.7% | 40.0% | +7 | +17.2pp |
| Not stated | 26 | 14.9% | 8.9% | 12 | 5.6% | 10.4% | +14 | +9.3pp |
| Total | 175 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 215 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -40 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.