Cultural diversity

Proficiency in English

About this topic

Proficiency in English records how well people say they speak English, with the question mainly relevant for people who use a language other than English at home. It is a self-assessed measure of spoken English rather than a formal test.

This topic helps identify where interpreting, translated information, and targeted service communication may be needed. It is most informative when read alongside language used at home, birthplace, and year of arrival.

Interpretation notes

  • ABS treats this as a self-assessed indicator of spoken English, not a formal test, so results should be interpreted with care.
  • The detailed English-proficiency categories mainly relate to people who use another language at home; people who speak English only are included as a separate category.

Key insight

In 2021, another language and English well or very well was the most common English-proficiency response among residents in Kunparrka, accounting for 71.1% (86 people). This share was higher than MacDonnell (R) (57.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in another language and English not well or not at all, which increased by 17 people and 13.2 percentage points.

Section overview

Proficiency in English

Kunparrka - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises proficiency in english for Kunparrka in 2021 for persons, with comparison against MacDonnell (R) and change since 2016.

Proficiency in English snapshot

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

Kunparrka
MacDonnell (R)

Total Speaks English Only

2021 count

6

% of total

5.0%

Change from 2016

+2.3pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well

2021 count

86

% of total

71.1%

Change from 2016

-11.9pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All

2021 count

30

% of total

24.8%

Change from 2016

+13.2pp

Total Not Stated

2021 count

3

% of total

2.5%

Change from 2016

-4.6pp

Data table

Proficiency in English for Kunparrka. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with MacDonnell (R).

Proficiency in English for Kunparrka. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with MacDonnell (R).
Proficiency in English for Kunparrka. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with MacDonnell (R).
Category20212016Change
Count%MacDonnell (R)%Count%MacDonnell (R)%Countpp
Total Speaks English Only65.0%15.7%32.7%14.2%+3+2.3pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well8671.1%57.4%9383.0%51.2%-7-11.9pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All3024.8%10.5%1311.6%7.9%+17+13.2pp
Total Not Stated32.5%16.4%87.1%26.6%-5-4.6pp
Total121100.0%100.0%112100.0%100.0%+90.0pp