Cultural diversity
Proficiency in English
About this topic
Proficiency in English records how well people say they speak English, with the question mainly relevant for people who use a language other than English at home. It is a self-assessed measure of spoken English rather than a formal test.
This topic helps identify where interpreting, translated information, and targeted service communication may be needed. It is most informative when read alongside language used at home, birthplace, and year of arrival.
Interpretation notes
- ABS treats this as a self-assessed indicator of spoken English, not a formal test, so results should be interpreted with care.
- The detailed English-proficiency categories mainly relate to people who use another language at home; people who speak English only are included as a separate category.
Key insight
In 2021, another language and English well or very well was the most common English-proficiency response among residents in Cocos Islands, accounting for 43.3% (257 people). This share was higher than Other Territories (33%).
Section overview
Proficiency in English
Cocos Islands - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises proficiency in english for Cocos Islands in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Other Territories and change since 2016.
Proficiency in English snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Cocos Islands, with comparison markers for Other Territories.
Total Speaks English Only
2021 count
113
% of total
19.1%
Change from 2016
-
113
19.1%
-
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well
2021 count
257
% of total
43.3%
Change from 2016
-
257
43.3%
-
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All
2021 count
128
% of total
21.6%
Change from 2016
-
128
21.6%
-
Total Not Stated
2021 count
102
% of total
17.2%
Change from 2016
-
102
17.2%
-
Chart view
Proficiency in English change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Data table
Proficiency in English for Cocos Islands. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Other Territories.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | % | Other Territories% | Count | pp | |
| Total Speaks English Only | 113 | 19.1% | 40.8% | - | - | 37.3% | - | - |
| Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well | 257 | 43.3% | 33.0% | - | - | 37.2% | - | - |
| Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All | 128 | 21.6% | 7.5% | - | - | 9.6% | - | - |
| Total Not Stated | 102 | 17.2% | 18.6% | - | - | 15.9% | - | - |
| Total | 593 | 100.0% | 100.0% | - | - | 100.0% | - | - |