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, Malay was the most common language used at home among residents in Cocos Islands, accounting for 60.8% (363 people). This share was higher than Other Territories (14.1%).
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Cocos Islands - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Cocos Islands in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Other Territories and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Cocos Islands, with comparison markers for Other Territories.
Malay
2021 count
363
% of total
60.8%
Change from 2016
-
363
60.8%
-
English
2021 count
113
% of total
18.9%
Change from 2016
-
113
18.9%
-
Not stated
2021 count
100
% of total
16.8%
Change from 2016
-
100
16.8%
-
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Data table
Language used at home for Cocos Islands. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Other Territories.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | pp | |
| Malay | 363 | 60.8% | 14.1% | - | - | 15.2% | - | - |
| English | 113 | 18.9% | 40.9% | - | - | 37.5% | - | - |
| Not stated | 100 | 16.8% | 18.7% | - | - | 16.0% | - | - |
| Total | 597 | 100.0% | 100.0% | - | - | 100.0% | - | - |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.