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 Newington (NSW), accounting for 45.2% (2,548 people). This share was higher than Parramatta (C) (38.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 2,434 people, while its share fell by 49.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Newington (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Newington (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Parramatta (C) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Newington (NSW), with comparison markers for Parramatta (C).

Newington (NSW)
Parramatta (C)

English

2021 count

2,548

% of total

45.2%

Change from 2016

-49.8pp

Korean

2021 count

761

% of total

13.5%

Change from 2016

-

Mandarin

2021 count

529

% of total

9.4%

Change from 2016

-

Cantonese

2021 count

480

% of total

8.5%

Change from 2016

-

Not stated

2021 count

141

% of total

2.5%

Change from 2016

-2.5pp

Indonesian

2021 count

113

% of total

2.0%

Change from 2016

-

Turkish

2021 count

84

% of total

1.5%

Change from 2016

-

Spanish

2021 count

75

% of total

1.3%

Change from 2016

-

Hindi

2021 count

73

% of total

1.3%

Change from 2016

-

Arabic

2021 count

60

% of total

1.1%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Newington (NSW). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Parramatta (C).

Language used at home for Newington (NSW). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Parramatta (C).
Language used at home for Newington (NSW). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Parramatta (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Parramatta (C)%Count%Parramatta (C)%Countpp
English2,54845.2%38.2%11495.0%41.7%+2,434-49.8pp
Korean76113.5%5.5%--5.0%--
Mandarin5299.4%12.4%--10.5%--
Cantonese4808.5%6.4%--6.5%--
Not stated1412.5%5.4%65.0%6.3%+135-2.5pp
Indonesian1132.0%0.6%--0.6%--
Turkish841.5%0.4%--0.4%--
Spanish751.3%0.8%--0.9%--
Hindi731.3%3.7%--3.6%--
Arabic601.1%3.2%--3.2%--
Total5,643100.0%100.0%120100.0%100.0%+5,5230.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.