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, Arrernte, nfd was the most common language used at home among residents in Santa Teresa, accounting for 75.2% (442 people). This share was higher than MacDonnell (R) (11.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Arrernte, nfd, which increased by 178 people and 29 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Santa Teresa - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Santa Teresa 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 Santa Teresa, with comparison markers for MacDonnell (R).
Arrernte, nfd
2021 count
442
% of total
75.2%
Change from 2016
+29.0pp
442
75.2%
+29.0pp
English
2021 count
63
% of total
10.7%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
63
10.7%
-0.7pp
Eastern Arrernte
2021 count
46
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
-9.7pp
46
7.8%
-9.7pp
Australian Indigenous Languages, nfd
2021 count
12
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
-3.9pp
12
2.0%
-3.9pp
Warlpiri
2021 count
12
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
12
2.0%
-1.1pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Arrernte, nfd
+178
+29.0pp
English
-2
-0.7pp
Eastern Arrernte
-54
-9.7pp
Australian Indigenous Languages, nfd
-22
-3.9pp
Warlpiri
-6
-1.1pp
Data table
Language used at home for Santa Teresa. 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 | |
| Arrernte, nfd | 442 | 75.2% | 11.9% | 264 | 46.2% | 7.9% | +178 | +29.0pp |
| English | 63 | 10.7% | 15.7% | 65 | 11.4% | 14.3% | -2 | -0.7pp |
| Eastern Arrernte | 46 | 7.8% | 3.2% | 100 | 17.5% | 2.4% | -54 | -9.7pp |
| Australian Indigenous Languages, nfd | 12 | 2.0% | 0.8% | 34 | 5.9% | 6.1% | -22 | -3.9pp |
| Warlpiri | 12 | 2.0% | 1.6% | 18 | 3.1% | 1.4% | -6 | -1.1pp |
| Total | 588 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 572 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +16 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.