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 Grant (DC), accounting for 83.9% (7,246 people). This share was lower than Regional SA (87.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 131 people, while its share fell by 2.9 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Grant (DC) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Grant (DC) 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 Grant (DC), with comparison markers for Regional SA.

Grant (DC)
Regional SA

English

2021 count

7,246

% of total

83.9%

Change from 2016

-2.9pp

Not stated

2021 count

1,240

% of total

14.4%

Change from 2016

+3.1pp

German

2021 count

21

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Afrikaans

2021 count

21

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Italian

2021 count

21

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

-0.3pp

Filipino

2021 count

15

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

Spanish

2021 count

10

% of total

0.1%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Grant (DC). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.

Language used at home for Grant (DC). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
Language used at home for Grant (DC). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional SA%Count%Regional SA%Countpp
English7,24683.9%87.7%7,11586.8%87.9%+131-2.9pp
Not stated1,24014.4%6.9%92311.3%7.1%+317+3.1pp
German210.2%0.2%180.2%0.3%+30.0pp
Afrikaans210.2%0.2%140.2%0.1%+70.0pp
Italian210.2%0.3%370.5%0.4%-16-0.3pp
Filipino150.2%0.2%40.0%0.2%+11+0.2pp
Spanish100.1%0.1%--0.1%--
Total8,635100.0%100.0%8,195100.0%100.0%+4400.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.