Language

The proportion of adults using English as their main language and a breakdown of other languages used in the UK and the multilingual population.

Publications related to Language

2011 Census

We look at the main language of UK residents, and their ability to speak English if English isn't their main language. We also look at how the self-reported ability to speak English related to general health. English (or Welsh in Wales) was the main language for 92% of UK residents. Of the remaining 8% who had a different main language, the majority could speak English "well" or "very well". People who couldn’t speak English "well" or "at all" had a lower proportion of "good" general health than those with English as their main language.
Language in England and Wales

Using data from the 2011 Census, we take a closer look at language within England and Wales. Those who reported English (or Welsh in Wales) as their main language accounted for 92.3% of the population, except in London where proportion was much lower. Those who reported another main language accounted for 7.7% of the population, with Polish topping the list of "other" main languages. London and the West Midlands saw the highest percentage of people who could not speak English "well" or "at all".