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 Munno Para West, accounting for 83.4% (6,293 people). This share was higher than Playford (C) (78.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in English, which increased by 6,177 people, while its share fell by 0.1 percentage points.

Section overview

Language used at home - Ranked by size

Munno Para West - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises language used at home for Munno Para West in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Playford (C) and change since 2016.

Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Munno Para West, with comparison markers for Playford (C).

Munno Para West
Playford (C)

English

2021 count

6,293

% of total

83.4%

Change from 2016

-0.1pp

Not stated

2021 count

274

% of total

3.6%

Change from 2016

-4.3pp

Dinka

2021 count

167

% of total

2.2%

Change from 2016

-

Punjabi

2021 count

93

% of total

1.2%

Change from 2016

-

Swahili

2021 count

76

% of total

1.0%

Change from 2016

-

Nepali

2021 count

39

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-

Russian

2021 count

38

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-

Arabic

2021 count

37

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-

Italian

2021 count

36

% of total

0.5%

Change from 2016

-4.5pp

Mandarin

2021 count

27

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Language used at home for Munno Para West. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Playford (C).

Language used at home for Munno Para West. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Playford (C).
Language used at home for Munno Para West. Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Playford (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Playford (C)%Count%Playford (C)%Countpp
English6,29383.4%78.9%11683.5%80.9%+6,177-0.1pp
Not stated2743.6%5.9%117.9%6.7%+263-4.3pp
Dinka1672.2%0.8%--0.9%--
Punjabi931.2%0.5%--0.2%--
Swahili761.0%0.8%--0.5%--
Nepali390.5%1.4%--0.7%--
Russian380.5%0.2%--0.2%--
Arabic370.5%0.6%--0.5%--
Italian360.5%0.5%75.0%0.7%+29-4.5pp
Mandarin270.4%0.2%--0.2%--
Total7,543100.0%100.0%139100.0%100.0%+7,4040.0pp

Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.