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, English was the most common language used at home among residents in Doncaster East, accounting for 39.7% (12,261 people). This share was lower than Manningham (C) (50.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 12,237 people, while its share fell by 27 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Doncaster East - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Doncaster East in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Manningham (C) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Doncaster East, with comparison markers for Manningham (C).

Doncaster East
Manningham (C)

English

2021 count

12,261

% of total

39.7%

Change from 2016

-27.0pp

Mandarin

2021 count

5,859

% of total

18.9%

Change from 2016

-

Cantonese

2021 count

4,187

% of total

13.5%

Change from 2016

-

Greek

2021 count

1,498

% of total

4.8%

Change from 2016

-

Persian (excluding Dari)

2021 count

1,062

% of total

3.4%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

880

% of total

2.8%

Change from 2016

-8.3pp

Arabic

2021 count

713

% of total

2.3%

Change from 2016

-

Italian

2021 count

657

% of total

2.1%

Change from 2016

-

Hindi

2021 count

400

% of total

1.3%

Change from 2016

-9.8pp

Korean

2021 count

344

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Doncaster East. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Manningham (C).

Language used at home for Doncaster East. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Manningham (C).
Language used at home for Doncaster East. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Manningham (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Manningham (C)%Count%Manningham (C)%Countpp
English12,26139.7%50.7%2466.7%53.6%+12,237-27.0pp
Mandarin5,85918.9%13.9%--10.7%--
Cantonese4,18713.5%8.5%--8.1%--
Greek1,4984.8%5.5%--6.1%--
Persian (excluding Dari)1,0623.4%2.7%--1.9%--
Not stated8802.8%3.1%411.1%3.9%+876-8.3pp
Arabic7132.3%1.9%--1.6%--
Italian6572.1%3.1%--4.2%--
Hindi4001.3%0.8%411.1%0.7%+396-9.8pp
Korean3441.1%0.9%--0.8%--
Total30,921100.0%100.0%36100.0%100.0%+30,8850.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.