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, Luritja was the most common language used at home among residents in Papunya, accounting for 71.9% (305 people). This share was higher than MacDonnell (R) (18.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Luritja, which increased by 118 people and 24.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Papunya - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Papunya 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 Papunya, with comparison markers for MacDonnell (R).
Luritja
2021 count
305
% of total
71.9%
Change from 2016
+24.7pp
305
71.9%
+24.7pp
Warlpiri
2021 count
33
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
+6.0pp
33
7.8%
+6.0pp
English
2021 count
29
% of total
6.8%
Change from 2016
-4.6pp
29
6.8%
-4.6pp
Not stated
2021 count
24
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
-3.6pp
24
5.7%
-3.6pp
Pintupi
2021 count
19
% of total
4.5%
Change from 2016
-
19
4.5%
-
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Luritja
+118
+24.7pp
Warlpiri
+26
+6.0pp
English
-16
-4.6pp
Not stated
-13
-3.6pp
Data table
Language used at home for Papunya. 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 | |
| Luritja | 305 | 71.9% | 18.4% | 187 | 47.2% | 12.3% | +118 | +24.7pp |
| Warlpiri | 33 | 7.8% | 1.6% | 7 | 1.8% | 1.4% | +26 | +6.0pp |
| English | 29 | 6.8% | 15.7% | 45 | 11.4% | 14.3% | -16 | -4.6pp |
| Not stated | 24 | 5.7% | 15.3% | 37 | 9.3% | 25.6% | -13 | -3.6pp |
| Pintupi | 19 | 4.5% | 1.7% | - | - | 1.3% | - | - |
| Total | 424 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 396 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +28 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.