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Standard output categories

44. The hierarchical structure of the Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL), Second Edition (ABS cat. no. 1267.0) allows users the flexibility to output statistics at the level of the classification which best suits their requirements. Data can be presented at the broad group level, narrow group level, or base (language) level. If necessary, significant languages within a narrow group can be presented separately while the remaining languages within the narrow group are aggregated. For example, the base level category 'Tiwi' can be separately identified as an output category within the 'Arnhem Land and Daly River Region Languages' Narrow Group, with the remaining base-level categories in this narrow group aggregated in an 'Other Arnhem Land and Daly River Region Languages' category. The same principle can be adopted to highlight significant narrow groups within a broad group.

45. Regardless of the level of aggregation envisaged for the dissemination of statistics, data should be captured, classified and stored at the base-level of the ASCL wherever possible. Collecting and storing data at the most detailed level of the classification allows the greatest flexibility for the output of statistics, enables more detailed and complex analysis, facilitates comparisons with previous data using different classifications, and preserves information that provides maximum flexibility for future use of the data.

46. However, the constraints affecting each statistical collection or other application, such as problems with confidentiality or standard errors, may not permit the collection or output of data at the lower levels of the classification.


Supporting variables

47. Languages Spoken at Home does not require any supporting variables.