Scots language skills: 9-way classification
Definition
A classification of a persons skills in the Scots Language
Classification
Total number of categories 10
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Speaks, reads and writes Scots |
| 2 | Understands spoken Scots only |
| 3 | Speaks but does not read or write Scots |
| 4 | Speaks and reads but does not write Scots |
| 5 | Reads but does not speak or write Scots |
| 6 | Writes but does not speak or read Scots |
| 7 | Reads and writes but does not speak Scots |
| 8 | Other combination of skills in Scots |
| 9 | No skills in Scots |
| -5 | No code required - comprises children under the age of 3 and schoolchildren and full-time students living away from home during term time. |
Source question or variables
Question 14 - Can you understand, speak, read and write
Scottish Gaelic or Scots?
- Scottish Gaelic
- Understand (spoken)
- Speak
- Read
- Write
- Scots
- Understand (spoken)
- Speak
- Read
- Write
Reason for asking
Information on Scots language usage is required to meet a number of different needs, including equality monitoring, service planning and provision, resource allocation, and to meet legislative requirements.
England & Wales and Scotland (2011) comparisons
The Scots language question asked in Scotland's Census 2022 improved on the 2011 question both online and on paper following phases of question testing. These differences should be taken into account when comparing results between 2011 and 2022 censuses. The full 2022 and 2011 household questionnaires are available on the Scotland’s Census website. In addition to this, more detailed guidance was provided in 2022 than 2011, with the guidance for Scots skills being the most accessed question guidance. The impact of this on the results was limited as the guidance was available on a separate webpage and was accessed by a relatively small proportion of those responding.
This question was not asked in England & Wales.
Definition
A person aged three and over is classified with skills in Scots if they can do one or more of the following:
- Understand spoken Scots
- Speak Scots
- Read Scots, or
- Write Scots
Classification
Total number of categories 10
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 0 | Understands spoken Scots only |
| 1 | Speaks, reads and writes Scots |
| 2 | Speaks but does not read or write Scots |
| 3 | Speaks and reads but does not write Scots |
| 4 | Reads but does not speak or write Scots |
| 5 | Writes but does not speak or read Scots |
| 6 | Reads and writes but does not speak Scots |
| 7 | Other combination of skills in Scots |
| 8 | No skills in Scots |
| X | No code required - comprises schoolchildren and full-time students living away from home during term time. |
Source question or variables
LANGSKILLS (Primary variable)