English language proficiency, spoken
Definition
LANGPRF refers to how proficient people are in spoken English. People are asked to self-assess how well they can speak English and choose from the options 'Very well', 'Well', 'Not well' and 'Not at all'.
Classification
Total number of categories 5
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Very well |
| 2 | Well |
| 3 | Not well |
| 4 | Not well at all |
| X | No code required - comprises schoolchildren and full-time students living away from home during term time. |
Source question or variables
17: How well can you speak English?
- Very well
- Well
- Not well
- Not at all
Reason for asking
Information from this question (combined with other language questions) could potentially provide a baseline profile of language skills and needs. Identification of those with little or no English language ability will be crucial for service planning and provision and identification of areas for investment, as well as informing provision of literature and other communication. English proficiency can potentially be used also as a measure of integration. Information on other language use will allow translation services to be planned and targeted appropriately and provide further contextual information on ethnicity. Multivariate analysis with other Census variables may help identify disadvantage resulting from language ability.
Scotland (2001) comparison
England and Wales 2011
How well can you speak English?
- Very well
- Well
- Not well
- Not at all
Scotland 2001
There is no comparable question for 2001 as this question was asked for the first time in the 2011 census.