Cultural diversity
Language spoken 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 Burt Plain, accounting for 31.1% (70 people). This share was higher than MacDonnell (R) (15.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Arrernte, nfd, which decreased by 38 people and 14.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Burt Plain - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language spoken at home for Burt Plain in 2021 for persons, with comparison against MacDonnell (R) and change since 2016.
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Burt Plain, with comparison markers for MacDonnell (R).
English
Arrernte, nfd
Alyawarr
Not stated
Eastern Arrernte
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
English
+13
+7.5pp
Arrernte, nfd
-38
-14.2pp
Not stated
-49
-19.1pp
Eastern Arrernte
+6
+3.0pp
Data table
Language spoken at home for Burt Plain. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with MacDonnell (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | MacDonnell (R)% | Count | % | MacDonnell (R)% | Count | pp | |
| English | 70 | 31.1% | 15.7% | 57 | 23.6% | 14.3% | +13 | +7.5pp |
| Arrernte, nfd | 48 | 21.3% | 11.9% | 86 | 35.5% | 7.9% | -38 | -14.2pp |
| Alyawarr | 40 | 17.8% | 0.8% | - | - | 0.1% | - | - |
| Not stated | 38 | 16.9% | 15.3% | 87 | 36.0% | 25.6% | -49 | -19.1pp |
| Eastern Arrernte | 15 | 6.7% | 3.2% | 9 | 3.7% | 2.4% | +6 | +3.0pp |
| Total | 225 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 242 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -17 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.