Codes and Frequencies
Description
This variable describes the first language the person learned in childhood and still understands.
Comparability — General
The census questions are fully comparable, but the identified languages differ across samples.
In 2011, some respondents selected two or three categories for mother tongue. These responses are classified under "multiple languages" in MTONGCA. See the unharmonized source variables for more information.
Universe
- Canada 1971: All persons
- Canada 1981: All persons
- Canada 1991: All persons
- Canada 2001: Persons not from the Atlantic provinces and the territories
- Canada 2011: All persons
Availability
- Canada: 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001, 2011
