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 Hugh, accounting for 20.3% (182 people). This share was higher than MacDonnell (R) (15.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 77 people and 8 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Hugh - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Hugh 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 Hugh, with comparison markers for MacDonnell (R).
Not stated
2021 count
632
% of total
70.4%
Change from 2016
-9.4pp
632
70.4%
-9.4pp
English
2021 count
182
% of total
20.3%
Change from 2016
+8.0pp
182
20.3%
+8.0pp
Arrernte, nfd
2021 count
35
% of total
3.9%
Change from 2016
-
35
3.9%
-
Western Arrarnta
2021 count
20
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
20
2.2%
+1.6pp
Luritja
2021 count
20
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
20
2.2%
+0.7pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Not stated
-49
-9.4pp
English
+77
+8.0pp
Western Arrarnta
+15
+1.6pp
Luritja
+7
+0.7pp
Data table
Language used at home for Hugh. 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 | |
| Not stated | 632 | 70.4% | 15.3% | 681 | 79.8% | 25.6% | -49 | -9.4pp |
| English | 182 | 20.3% | 15.7% | 105 | 12.3% | 14.3% | +77 | +8.0pp |
| Arrernte, nfd | 35 | 3.9% | 11.9% | - | - | 7.9% | - | - |
| Western Arrarnta | 20 | 2.2% | 10.5% | 5 | 0.6% | 5.2% | +15 | +1.6pp |
| Luritja | 20 | 2.2% | 18.4% | 13 | 1.5% | 12.3% | +7 | +0.7pp |
| Total | 898 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 853 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +45 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.