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, Ngaanyatjarra was the most common language used at home among residents in Ngaanyatjarraku (S), accounting for 72.1% (970 people). This share was higher than Regional WA (0.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Australian Indigenous Languages, nfd, which decreased by 92 people and 5.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Ngaanyatjarraku (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Ngaanyatjarraku (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Ngaanyatjarraku (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.
Ngaanyatjarra
2021 count
970
% of total
72.1%
Change from 2016
+10.9pp
970
72.1%
+10.9pp
English
2021 count
135
% of total
10.0%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
135
10.0%
+0.2pp
Not stated
2021 count
109
% of total
8.1%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
109
8.1%
-1.6pp
Pitjantjatjara
2021 count
105
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
-3.8pp
105
7.8%
-3.8pp
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Ngaanyatjarra
-2
+10.9pp
English
-20
+0.2pp
Not stated
-45
-1.6pp
Pitjantjatjara
-79
-3.8pp
Data table
Language used at home for Ngaanyatjarraku (S). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | pp | |
| Ngaanyatjarra | 970 | 72.1% | 0.2% | 972 | 61.2% | 0.2% | -2 | +10.9pp |
| English | 135 | 10.0% | 80.9% | 155 | 9.8% | 81.7% | -20 | +0.2pp |
| Not stated | 109 | 8.1% | 10.5% | 154 | 9.7% | 10.0% | -45 | -1.6pp |
| Pitjantjatjara | 105 | 7.8% | 0.0% | 184 | 11.6% | 0.1% | -79 | -3.8pp |
| Total | 1,345 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,588 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -243 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.