Definition : The first language of an individual is the language that they normally speak at home.

Purpose : As with ethnicity. The recording of this item can also alert staff involved with the person to the need in some instances for additional support (i.e. a translator or interpreter).

Recording Guidance : This item should be self ascribed. Where self ascription is not possible, this item may be attributed by the person’s primary carer or a family member who can give an accurate description of the category that would otherwise have been chosen by the person. Where the person’s first language is British Sign Language, this should be picked up in the Preferred Communication Method data item.

Codes : Scottish Census 2001