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 Barellan (part), accounting for 91.4% (416 people). This share was higher than Narrandera (A) (86.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which decreased by 56 people, while its share rose by 4.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Barellan (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Barellan (part) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Narrandera (A) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Barellan (part), with comparison markers for Narrandera (A).

Barellan (part)
Narrandera (A)

English

2021 count

416

% of total

91.4%

Change from 2016

+4.3pp

Not stated

2021 count

33

% of total

7.3%

Change from 2016

-3.4pp

Data table

Language used at home for Barellan (part). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Narrandera (A).

Language used at home for Barellan (part). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Narrandera (A).
Language used at home for Barellan (part). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Narrandera (A).
Category20212016Change
Count%Narrandera (A)%Count%Narrandera (A)%Countpp
English41691.4%86.8%47287.1%87.3%-56+4.3pp
Not stated337.3%9.9%5810.7%10.4%-25-3.4pp
Total455100.0%100.0%542100.0%100.0%-870.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.