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 Wallace Rockhole, accounting for 23.6% (21 people). This share was higher than MacDonnell (R) (11.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Arrernte, nfd, which increased by 12 people and 15.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Wallace Rockhole - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Wallace Rockhole 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 Wallace Rockhole, with comparison markers for MacDonnell (R).
Arrernte, nfd
2021 count
21
% of total
23.6%
Change from 2016
+15.3pp
21
23.6%
+15.3pp
English
2021 count
20
% of total
22.5%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
20
22.5%
-0.4pp
Western Arrarnta
2021 count
19
% of total
21.3%
Change from 2016
+14.0pp
19
21.3%
+14.0pp
Eastern Arrernte
2021 count
16
% of total
18.0%
Change from 2016
-
16
18.0%
-
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Arrernte, nfd
+12
+15.3pp
English
-5
-0.4pp
Western Arrarnta
+11
+14.0pp
Data table
Language used at home for Wallace Rockhole. 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 | 21 | 23.6% | 11.9% | 9 | 8.3% | 7.9% | +12 | +15.3pp |
| English | 20 | 22.5% | 15.7% | 25 | 22.9% | 14.3% | -5 | -0.4pp |
| Western Arrarnta | 19 | 21.3% | 10.5% | 8 | 7.3% | 5.2% | +11 | +14.0pp |
| Eastern Arrernte | 16 | 18.0% | 3.2% | - | - | 2.4% | - | - |
| Total | 89 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 109 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -20 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.