I’m a big fan of data mapping – overlaying information on a map gives an indication of the way abstract concepts actually operate in the “real world”.

The Guardian Data Blog website often carries fascinating analyses of current issues presented in a way that you can explore and interact. Last week a post on their website took data about people’s first language from the 2011 census and mapped it.

A closer look at our own area (Click map - right to open) shows an intricate picture. In the Bowes and Bounds core area somewhere between 25% and 40% do not speak English as a first language. It is important to note that the maps only show 'main language', they do not indicate an absence of English speaking skills. The figures for a language other than English become higher as you explore the map south – but significantly lower as you move west and north.

These figures are from census records – so they’re very thorough and comparable with figures right across the UK, however we know that there is a high “churn” of population locally – a fluid movement in and out particularly in the private rented sector and many homes in multiple occupation – so the figures from two years ago are already shifting.

Another striking feature when you drill down into the figures is the remarkable range of languages spoken locally and across London when compared with other parts of the UK. A wider view shows a clear distinction between neighbourhoods in the west and the east of Haringey – as might be expected – but also a stark delineation between eastern Enfield and the rest of the borough There is a sizeable Turkish speaking community throughout the east of the borough.

A fine-grained analysis like this enables you to look at – for example the local area around a primary school to give an indication of the home languages spoken by the pupils. This reveals that some schools will have a very different intake from others – yet each has to teach the National Curriculum, apply the same phonics tests and pupils are measured against local and national averages despite having a significantly different start point. Data such as census figures and other datasets from the Office for National Statistics can really help understand the areas we live in – and how they are developing.

This website is written in English – and whilst we have a Google Translate option on the Home page – should we be thinking about options for speakers of other languages?