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, Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole) was the most common language used at home among residents in Northern Peninsula Area (R), accounting for 55.1% (1,527 people). This share was higher than Regional Qld (0.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Creole, nfd, which decreased by 1,289 people and 46.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
Northern Peninsula Area (R) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for Northern Peninsula Area (R) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Qld and change since 2016.
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Northern Peninsula Area (R), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.
Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole)
2021 count
1,527
% of total
55.1%
Change from 2016
+33.6pp
1,527
55.1%
+33.6pp
English
2021 count
420
% of total
15.2%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
420
15.2%
+1.0pp
Cape York Peninsula Languages, nec
2021 count
349
% of total
12.6%
Change from 2016
-
349
12.6%
-
Not stated
2021 count
339
% of total
12.2%
Change from 2016
+6.2pp
339
12.2%
+6.2pp
Kalaw Kawaw Ya/Kalaw Lagaw Ya
2021 count
39
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
-5.2pp
39
1.4%
-5.2pp
Creole, nfd
2021 count
34
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
-46.3pp
34
1.2%
-46.3pp
Aboriginal English, so described
2021 count
18
% of total
0.6%
Change from 2016
-
18
0.6%
-
Torres Strait Island Languages, nfd
2021 count
17
% of total
0.6%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
17
0.6%
+0.3pp
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole)
+929
+33.6pp
English
+23
+1.0pp
Not stated
+173
+6.2pp
Kalaw Kawaw Ya/Kalaw Lagaw Ya
-144
-5.2pp
Creole, nfd
-1,289
-46.3pp
Torres Strait Island Languages, nfd
+8
+0.3pp
Data table
Language used at home for Northern Peninsula Area (R). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | pp | |
| Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole) | 1,527 | 55.1% | 0.3% | 598 | 21.5% | 0.2% | +929 | +33.6pp |
| English | 420 | 15.2% | 83.7% | 397 | 14.2% | 84.3% | +23 | +1.0pp |
| Cape York Peninsula Languages, nec | 349 | 12.6% | 0.1% | - | - | 0.0% | - | - |
| Not stated | 339 | 12.2% | 7.4% | 166 | 6.0% | 7.8% | +173 | +6.2pp |
| Kalaw Kawaw Ya/Kalaw Lagaw Ya | 39 | 1.4% | 0.0% | 183 | 6.6% | 0.0% | -144 | -5.2pp |
| Creole, nfd | 34 | 1.2% | 0.1% | 1,323 | 47.5% | 0.1% | -1,289 | -46.3pp |
| Aboriginal English, so described | 18 | 0.6% | 0.0% | - | - | 0.0% | - | - |
| Torres Strait Island Languages, nfd | 17 | 0.6% | 0.0% | 9 | 0.3% | 0.0% | +8 | +0.3pp |
| Total | 2,771 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,786 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -15 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.