Cultural diversity

Proficiency in English

About this topic

Proficiency in English records how well people say they speak English, with the question mainly relevant for people who use a language other than English at home. It is a self-assessed measure of spoken English rather than a formal test.

This topic helps identify where interpreting, translated information, and targeted service communication may be needed. It is most informative when read alongside language used at home, birthplace, and year of arrival.

Interpretation notes

  • ABS treats this as a self-assessed indicator of spoken English, not a formal test, so results should be interpreted with care.
  • The detailed English-proficiency categories mainly relate to people who use another language at home; people who speak English only are included as a separate category.

Key insight

In 2021, English only was the most common English-proficiency response among residents in Shaugh, accounting for 42.6% (23 people). This share was lower than Tatiara (DC) (83.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in another language and English well or very well, which increased by 8 people and 14.8 percentage points.

Section overview

Proficiency in English

Shaugh - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises proficiency in english for Shaugh in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Tatiara (DC) and change since 2016.

Proficiency in English snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Shaugh, with comparison markers for Tatiara (DC).

Shaugh
Tatiara (DC)

Total Speaks English Only

2021 count

23

% of total

42.6%

Change from 2016

-40.0pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well

2021 count

8

% of total

14.8%

Change from 2016

+14.8pp

Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All

2021 count

0

% of total

0.0%

Change from 2016

-13.0pp

Total Not Stated

2021 count

22

% of total

40.7%

Change from 2016

+40.7pp

Data table

Proficiency in English for Shaugh. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Tatiara (DC).

Proficiency in English for Shaugh. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Tatiara (DC).
Proficiency in English for Shaugh. Proficiency in English. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Tatiara (DC).
Category20212016Change
Count%Tatiara (DC)%Count%Tatiara (DC)%Countpp
Total Speaks English Only2342.6%83.8%1982.6%85.8%+4-40.0pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Very Well Or Well814.8%6.8%00.0%4.1%+8+14.8pp
Total Speaks Other Language And Speaks English Not Well Or Not At All00.0%2.1%313.0%2.0%-3-13.0pp
Total Not Stated2240.7%7.3%00.0%8.2%+22+40.7pp
Total54100.0%100.0%23100.0%100.0%+310.0pp