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 Oxford, accounting for 56.1% (23 people). This share was lower than Isaac (R) (74.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 18 people and 43.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Oxford - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Oxford in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Isaac (R) and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Oxford, with comparison markers for Isaac (R).
English
2021 count
23
% of total
56.1%
Change from 2016
-43.9pp
23
56.1%
-43.9pp
Not stated
2021 count
18
% of total
43.9%
Change from 2016
-
18
43.9%
-
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
-18
-43.9pp
Data table
Language used at home for Oxford. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Isaac (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Isaac (R)% | Count | % | Isaac (R)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 23 | 56.1% | 74.5% | 41 | 100.0% | 81.2% | -18 | -43.9pp |
| Not stated | 18 | 43.9% | 20.9% | - | - | 14.4% | - | - |
| Total | 41 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 41 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.