Next in my look a the key results from the 2021 census is language – always one of the more popular topics.
A reminder of the ground rules:
- The figures will be counted at council level (the 22 unitary authorities). There are probably more interesting results at a local level/ward level, but that’s not for me to do. You can look these up yourselves using the ONS’s interactive map.
- Percentages are rounded to the nearest decimal place and changes are percentage point increases or decreases (unless stated otherwise).
- 2021 will be compared to both the 2011 and 2001 censuses unless comparable figures are unavailable (i.e. things were counted differently in 2021 compared to previous years) or I couldn’t find the data for whatever reason. In some instances, there won’t be a comparison because it’s a new category.
- Any conclusions are educated guesses rather than hard/academically rigorous conclusions.
An additional note: usually only those aged 3+ are counted, but the figures below include the entire population. That means the figures presented here will be different to those that have been officially published – though not by much.
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What’s the overall national picture?
The proportion of people with a first language other than English or Welsh is very low but still statistically significant.
Taken in conjunction with the figures of those born outside the UK it suggests the majority of people born overseas and living in Wales will be able to speak English at least.
According to the Welsh Government, the five most popular “other” first languages in Wales are Polish, Arabic, Romanian, Bengali and “all other Chinese” (which I assume means Cantonese in the main).
What are the standout findings for individual councils?
It should come as no shock that Cardiff (5.0%) and Newport (3.9%) and Swansea (2.7%) have the highest proportions.
The “surprise” is perhaps Merthyr Tydfil (2.7%) – though a large number of Portuguese and Polish workers have been hired to work at a local meat processing plant, while Wrexham (3.2%) also has a large Polish community.
What may be the reasons behind the changes (if applicable)?
Many will probably be first-generation immigrants who are learning English (and/or Welsh). Also, it may make sense to not speak English at home if a household has children and the parent(s) want them to be fluent in their (the parents’) first language.
EU migration would account for the likes of Polish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Portuguese, Italian etc. being spoken at home.
Are there any public policy implications?
It stresses the importance of translation services for the most commonly-spoken “third languages” (such as Polish) and free/easy-to-access English and Welsh lessons for new arrivals.
Other than that, it doesn’t matter too much. Like the “being swamped by immigrants” argument, it’s almost a non-issue at a Welsh level.
