Between the 2016 and 2021 ABS census we have seen a very large increase in multicultural immigration in Australia. This has led to over 190,000 people in South Australia (SA) speaking a top 10 language other than English. The largest increases have come from Nepali and Indian language speakers increasing by 53% and 34% respectively. The most frequently spoken languages are Chinese languages, Indian languages and Italian.
Source: ABS Census 2021
| RANK | LANGUAGE | 2021 | % CHANGE FROM 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chinese Languages | 42,299 | 9% |
| 2 | Indian Languages | 37,300 | 34% |
| 3 | Italian | 23,828 | –22% |
| 4 | Greek | 21,882 | –5% |
| 5 | Vietnamese | 21,855 | 13% |
| 6 | Tagalog (inc Filipino) | 11,208 | 17% |
| 7 | Arabic | 11,033 | 16% |
| 8 | Nepali | 9,671 | 53% |
| 9 | Spanish | 7,273 | 22% |
| 10 | German | 5,451 | –18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 languages spoken at home in South Australia (excluding English)?
The most spoken non-English languages in South Australia are:
- Chinese languages
- Indian languages
- Italian
- Greek
- Vietnamese
- Tagalog (including Filipino)
- Arabic
- Nepali
- Spanish
- German
How many people in SA speak one of these top 10 languages?
More than 190,000 South Australians speak one of the top 10 languages other than English at home, showing the state’s multicultural diversity.
Which language groups in SA have grown the fastest recently?
Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Nepali speakers saw especially strong growth (~53%), and Indian language speakers also increased notably (~34%).
Why is this language data relevant for multicultural advertising?
Understanding which languages are commonly spoken helps businesses and organisations tailor their messaging and media buys, ensuring advertising resonates with key language communities across South Australia.
Is English included in the top 10 list of languages?
No the list focuses on languages spoken at home other than English to highlight multicultural segments for targeted ethnic media and advertising strategies.