Speaks English

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.

Related topics

• Ancestry
• Birthplace
• Overseas arrivals
• Language used at home
• Religion