Knowledge of official languages

Part A - Short definition:

Not applicable

Part B - Detailed definition:

Refers to the ability to conduct a conversation in English only, in French only, in both English and French, or in neither English nor French.

Reported in:

2011

Reported for:

Population in private households

Question number(s):

Direct variable: Question 13

Responses:

English only; French only; Both English and French; Neither English nor French

Remarks:

In the 2011 NHS, Question 13 asked 'Can this person speak English or French well enough to conduct a conversation?'

Instructions were provided to respondents in the 2011 NHS guide:

Mark English or French only if the person can carry on a conversation of some length on various topics in that language.

For people who are deaf or have a speech disability, report knowledge of English, French, or both.

The order of response options in language questions which have mark-ins for 'English' and 'French' is different depending on the language of the questionnaire. On English questionnaires, 'English' is listed before 'French.' On French questionnaires, 'French' is listed before English. In a similar way, the language of the questionnaire is the language mentioned first in the actual wording of the questions on knowledge of official and non-official languages.

For additional information on the collection and dissemination of data on language, refer to the Languages Reference Guide, National Household Survey, 2011.