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, Yankunytjatjara was the most common language used at home among residents in Finke, accounting for 75.8% (138 people). This share was higher than MacDonnell (R) (4.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Yankunytjatjara, which increased by 22 people and 16.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Finke - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Finke in 2021 for persons, with comparison against MacDonnell (R) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Finke, with comparison markers for MacDonnell (R).

Finke
MacDonnell (R)

Yankunytjatjara

2021 count

138

% of total

75.8%

Change from 2016

+16.3pp

English

2021 count

23

% of total

12.6%

Change from 2016

-1.2pp

Data table

Language used at home for Finke. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with MacDonnell (R).

Language used at home for Finke. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with MacDonnell (R).
Language used at home for Finke. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with MacDonnell (R).
Category20212016Change
Count%MacDonnell (R)%Count%MacDonnell (R)%Countpp
Yankunytjatjara13875.8%4.2%11659.5%4.5%+22+16.3pp
English2312.6%15.7%2713.8%14.3%-4-1.2pp
Total182100.0%100.0%195100.0%100.0%-130.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.