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, Kunwinjku was the most common language used at home among residents in West Arnhem (R), accounting for 23.1% (1,449 people). This share was higher than Regional NT (1.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Kuninjku, which increased by 358 people and 5.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Language used at home - Ranked by size
West Arnhem (R) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises language used at home for West Arnhem (R) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NT and change since 2016.
Chart view
Language used at home - Ranked by size snapshot
2021 distribution by category for West Arnhem (R), with comparison markers for Regional NT.
Kunwinjku
2021 count
1,449
% of total
23.1%
Change from 2016
-3.5pp
1,449
23.1%
-3.5pp
Burarra
2021 count
1,133
% of total
18.1%
Change from 2016
+3.4pp
1,133
18.1%
+3.4pp
English
2021 count
1,037
% of total
16.5%
Change from 2016
-2.4pp
1,037
16.5%
-2.4pp
Kuninjku
2021 count
413
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
+5.7pp
413
6.6%
+5.7pp
Ndjebbana (Gunavidji)
2021 count
361
% of total
5.8%
Change from 2016
+3.1pp
361
5.8%
+3.1pp
Not stated
2021 count
354
% of total
5.6%
Change from 2016
-6.8pp
354
5.6%
-6.8pp
Maung
2021 count
320
% of total
5.1%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
320
5.1%
-0.2pp
Kune
2021 count
243
% of total
3.9%
Change from 2016
+1.1pp
243
3.9%
+1.1pp
Iwaidja
2021 count
124
% of total
2.0%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
124
2.0%
+0.3pp
Djinang, nfd
2021 count
95
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
95
1.5%
+0.3pp
Language used at home - Ranked by size change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Kunwinjku
-195
-3.5pp
Burarra
+225
+3.4pp
English
-128
-2.4pp
Kuninjku
+358
+5.7pp
Ndjebbana (Gunavidji)
+194
+3.1pp
Not stated
-409
-6.8pp
Maung
-5
-0.2pp
Kune
+71
+1.1pp
Iwaidja
+22
+0.3pp
Djinang, nfd
+23
+0.3pp
Data table
Language used at home for West Arnhem (R). Language used at home - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NT.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional NT% | Count | % | Regional NT% | Count | pp | |
| Kunwinjku | 1,449 | 23.1% | 1.6% | 1,644 | 26.6% | 1.8% | -195 | -3.5pp |
| Burarra | 1,133 | 18.1% | 1.3% | 908 | 14.7% | 1.0% | +225 | +3.4pp |
| English | 1,037 | 16.5% | 43.0% | 1,165 | 18.9% | 42.8% | -128 | -2.4pp |
| Kuninjku | 413 | 6.6% | 0.5% | 55 | 0.9% | 0.1% | +358 | +5.7pp |
| Ndjebbana (Gunavidji) | 361 | 5.8% | 0.4% | 167 | 2.7% | 0.2% | +194 | +3.1pp |
| Not stated | 354 | 5.6% | 10.1% | 763 | 12.4% | 13.2% | -409 | -6.8pp |
| Maung | 320 | 5.1% | 0.4% | 325 | 5.3% | 0.4% | -5 | -0.2pp |
| Kune | 243 | 3.9% | 0.3% | 172 | 2.8% | 0.2% | +71 | +1.1pp |
| Iwaidja | 124 | 2.0% | 0.1% | 102 | 1.7% | 0.1% | +22 | +0.3pp |
| Djinang, nfd | 95 | 1.5% | 0.1% | 72 | 1.2% | 0.1% | +23 | +0.3pp |
| Total | 6,266 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 6,177 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +89 | 0.0pp |
Excludes languages spoken at home by fewer than 10 people.