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 Kentish (M), accounting for 88.1% (5,812 people). This share was lower than Regional Tas. (88.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 291 people, while its share fell by 2.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Kentish (M) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Kentish (M) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Tas. and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Kentish (M), with comparison markers for Regional Tas..

Kentish (M)
Regional Tas.

English

2021 count

5,812

% of total

88.1%

Change from 2016

-2.2pp

Not stated

2021 count

526

% of total

8.0%

Change from 2016

+1.4pp

Nepali

2021 count

41

% of total

0.6%

Change from 2016

-

Mandarin

2021 count

31

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

+0.2pp

German

2021 count

27

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

0.0pp

Dutch

2021 count

16

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

French

2021 count

13

% of total

0.2%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Data table

Language used at home for Kentish (M). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..

Language used at home for Kentish (M). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
Language used at home for Kentish (M). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional Tas.%Count%Regional Tas.%Countpp
English5,81288.1%88.9%5,52190.3%89.8%+291-2.2pp
Not stated5268.0%5.6%4036.6%6.7%+123+1.4pp
Nepali410.6%0.9%--0.3%--
Mandarin310.5%0.6%180.3%0.4%+13+0.2pp
German270.4%0.2%270.4%0.3%00.0pp
Dutch160.2%0.1%170.3%0.2%-1-0.1pp
French130.2%0.1%160.3%0.1%-3-0.1pp
Total6,600100.0%100.0%6,116100.0%100.0%+4840.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.