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List of language families

Topic: Social

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This article is a list of language families. This list only includes primary language families that are accepted by the current academic consensus in the field of linguistics; for language families that are not accepted by the current academic consensus in the field of linguistics, see the article "List of proposed language families".

List of language families

Spoken language families

The language families of the world
The language families of Africa
Map of the Austronesian languages
Map of major Dravidian languages
Distribution of the Indo-European language family branches across Eurasia
Area of the Papuan languages
Map of the Australian languages
Distribution of language families and isolates north of Mexico at first contact
The major South American language families
Ethnolinguistic groups of mainland Southeast Asia
Caucasian languages
Distribution of the Uralic, Altaic, and Yukaghir languages
Family name Languages Current speakers[1] Location Proposed parent family
Afroasiatic languages 366 499,294,669 Africa, Eurasia
Atlantic–Congo languages 1,453 500,000,000 Africa Niger–Congo (disputed)
Mande languages 50 27,003,000 Africa Niger–Congo (disputed)
Kru languages 38 3,800,000 Africa Niger–Congo (disputed)
Dogon languages 19 630,820 Africa Niger–Congo (disputed)
Ijoid languages 10 3,221,650 Africa Niger–Congo (disputed)
Songhay languages 11 3,228,000 Africa Nilo-Saharan (disputed)
Saharan languages 10 10,940,500 Africa Nilo-Saharan (disputed)
Fur languages 2 786,900 Africa Nilo-Saharan (disputed)
Maban languages 9 1,115,260 Africa Nilo-Saharan (disputed)
Central Sudanic languages 65 9,145,280 Africa Nilo-Saharan (disputed)
Khoe-Kwadi languages 12 337,337 Africa Khoisan (obsolete)
Kx'a languages 4 104,000 Africa Khoisan (obsolete)
Tuu languages 2 2,500 Africa Khoisan (obsolete)
Kadu languages 6 120,600 Africa Nilo-Saharan (disputed)
Talodi languages 8 112,250 Africa Niger–Congo (disputed)
Heiban languages 10 276,690 Africa Niger–Congo (disputed)
Rashad languages 2 126,000 Africa Niger–Congo (disputed)
Katla-Tima languages 3 25,000 Africa Niger–Congo (disputed)
Taman languages 4 128,800 Africa Eastern Sudanic (disputed)
Daju languages 7 261,000 Africa Eastern Sudanic (disputed)
Nubian languages 13 842,050 Africa Eastern Sudanic (disputed)
Nyima languages 2 162,000 Africa Eastern Sudanic (disputed)
Eastern Jebel languages 4 104,600 Africa Eastern Sudanic (disputed)
Temein languages 2 14,400 Africa Eastern Sudanic (disputed)
Nilotic languages 55 33,306,780 Africa Eastern Sudanic (disputed)
Surmic languages 11 544,680 Africa Eastern Sudanic (disputed)
Kresh-Aja languages 3 48,200 Africa Central Sudanic (disputed)
Kuliak languages 3 14,070 Africa Nilo-Saharan (disputed)
Bʼaga languages 5 253,680 Africa Nilo-Saharan (disputed)
Blue Nile Mao languages 4 24,300 Africa Afroasiatic (disputed)
Dizoid languages 3 88,840 Africa Afroasiatic (disputed)
Koman languages 5 94,000 Africa Nilo-Saharan (disputed)
Ta-Ne-Omotic languages 19 7,359,020 Africa Afroasiatic (disputed)
Aroid languages 5 438,100 Africa Afroasiatic (disputed)
Indo-European languages 448 3,237,999,904 Eurasia
Uralic languages 37 20,716,457 Eurasia
Turkic languages 35 179,945,933 Eurasia Altaic (disputed)
Hurro-Urartian languages 2 extinct Eurasia
Abkhazo-Adyghean languages 4 1,655,000 Eurasia Caucasian (disputed)
Nakh-Daghestanian languages 29[2] 4,155,258 Eurasia Caucasian, Alarodian (disputed)
Kartvelian languages 5 4,850,000 Eurasia
Dravidian languages 84 252,807,610 Eurasia
Great Andamanese languages 10 3 Eurasia
Ongan languages 2 296 Eurasia
Yeniseian languages 2 211 Eurasia Dené–Yeniseian (possible)
Yukaghir languages 2 740 Eurasia
Sino-Tibetan languages 453 1,385,995,195 Eurasia
Hmong–Mien languages 38 9,332,070 Eurasia Miao–Dai (?)
Kra–Dai languages 94 81,549,828 Eurasia Austro-Tai (disputed)
Austroasiatic languages 169 116,323,040 Eurasia
Austronesian languages 1,223 325,862,510 Africa, Eurasia, Oceania Austro-Tai (disputed)
Tungusic languages 11 55,800 Eurasia Altaic (disputed)
Mongolic languages 13 7,269,480 Eurasia Altaic (disputed)
Koreanic languages 2 77,269,890 Eurasia Altaic (disputed)
Nivkh languages 2 200 Eurasia Nivkh–Kamchukotic (?)
Japonic languages 13 129,240,180 Eurasia Altaic (disputed)
Ainu languages 3 2 Eurasia Altaic (disputed)
Chukotko-Kamchatkan languages 5 6,875 Eurasia Nivkh–Kamchukotic (?)
Trans–New Guinea 317 3,540,024 New Guinea
Torricelli languages 55 113,705 New Guinea
Sepik languages 36 162,704 New Guinea
Ramu – Lower Sepik languages 30 65,830 New Guinea
Timor–Alor–Pantar languages 23 380,120 New Guinea
Lakes Plain languages 20 8,455 New Guinea
Yam languages 19 7,677 New Guinea
Anim languages 17 32,898 New Guinea
Border languages 15 17,080 New Guinea
North Halmahera languages 15 279,035 New Guinea West Papuan (disputed)
Angan languages 13 103,739 New Guinea
Ndu languages 13 100,770 New Guinea
Orya–Tor languages 13 8,345 New Guinea
Geelvink Bay languages 10 8,005 New Guinea
Sko languages 10 5,665 New Guinea
Dagan languages 9 18,555 New Guinea
South Bougainville languages 9 68,700 New Guinea
Kwerbic languages 8 7,000 New Guinea
Koiarian languages 8 25,690 New Guinea
Mailuan languages 8 11,700 New Guinea
Bosavi languages 7 14,105 New Guinea
Baining languages 6 13,800 New Guinea
East Strickland languages 6 3,780 New Guinea
Goilalan languages 6 47,330 New Guinea
Kiwaian languages 6 38,030 New Guinea
Left May languages 6 2,005 New Guinea Left May – Kwomtari (disputed)
South Bird's Head languages 6 8,200 New Guinea
Eleman languages 5 45,240 New Guinea
Keram languages 5 11,970 New Guinea
Nimboran languages 5 8,500 New Guinea
Pauwasi languages 5 3,880 New Guinea
West Bird's Head languages 5 20,090 New Guinea West Papuan (disputed)
Yareban languages 5 3,100 New Guinea
Yuat languages 5 7,700 New Guinea
Arafundi languages 5 1,960 New Guinea
Eastern Trans-Fly languages 4 6,760 New Guinea
North Bougainville languages 4 10,020 New Guinea
Demta–Sentani languages 4 36,680 New Guinea
Gogodala–Suki languages 4 30,160 New Guinea
Turama–Kikorian languages 4 6,210 New Guinea
Walio languages 4 856 New Guinea
East Bird's Head languages 3 34,800 New Guinea West Papuan (disputed)
Kamula-Elevala languages 3 28,700 New Guinea
Kayagaric languages 3 14,500 New Guinea
Kolopom languages 3 5,300 New Guinea
Kwalean languages 3 2,240 New Guinea
Mairasi languages 3 4,385 New Guinea
West Bomberai languages 3 6,840 New Guinea
Amto–Musan languages 2 720 New Guinea
Baibai-Fas languages 2 2,840 New Guinea Left May – Kwomtari, Kwomtari–Fas (disputed)
Bayono-Awbono languages 2 400 New Guinea
Bogia-Monumbo languages 2 860 New Guinea
Bulaka River languages 3 520 New Guinea
Doso-Turumsa languages 2 2,395 New Guinea
East Kutubuan languages 2 7,300 New Guinea
Hatam-Mansim languages 2 16,000 New Guinea West Papuan (disputed)
Inanwatan–Duriankere languages 2 1,130 New Guinea
Kaure-Kosare languages 2 700 New Guinea
Konda-Yahadian languages 2 1,000 New Guinea
Kwomtari languages 3 1,510 New Guinea Left May – Kwomtari, Kwomtari–Fas (disputed)
Lepki-Murkim-Kembra 3 840 New Guinea
Manubaran languages 2 3,350 New Guinea
Mombum-Koneraw languages 2 1,450 New Guinea
Namla-Tofanma languages 2 280 New Guinea
Pahoturi languages 2 4,050 New Guinea
Piawi languages 2 2,600 New Guinea
Senagi languages 2 2,960 New Guinea
Somahai languages 2 2,200 New Guinea
Taulil-Butam languages 2 2,000 New Guinea
Teberan languages 2 15,800 New Guinea
Yawa-Saweru 2 10,300 New Guinea West Papuan (disputed)
Pama–Nyungan languages 250 23,539 Australia
Gunwinyguan languages 5 1314 Australia
Western Daly languages 3 21 Australia
Nyulnyulan languages 3 94 Australia
Worrorran languages 3 108 Australia
Mirndi languages 3 261 Australia
Iwaidjan languages 4 491 Australia Arnhem Land (disputed)
Mangarrayi-Maran languages 4 10 Australia
Maningrida languages 4 1,434 Australia Arnhem Land (disputed)
Tangkic languages 4 73 Australia
Giimbiyu languages 3 extinct Australia Arnhem Land (disputed)
Jarrakan languages 3 130 Australia
Yangmanic languages 3 50 Australia
Bunuban languages 2 100 Australia
Eastern Daly languages 2 extinct Australia
Garrwan languages 2 130 Australia
Limilngan-Wulna 2 23 Australia
Marrku-Wurrugu languages 2 extinct Australia
Northeastern Tasmanian languages 2 extinct Australia
Northern Daly languages 2 8 Australia
Southeastern Tasmanian languages 2 extinct Australia
Southern Daly languages 2 1980 Australia
Western Tasmanian languages 2 extinct Australia
Inuit–Yupik–Unangan languages 10 108,705 North America, Eurasia
Na-Dene languages 44 208,552 North America Dené–Yeniseian (possible)
Haida languages 2 13 North America
Tsimshianic languages 4 2,910 North America Penutian (disputed)
Wakashan languages 6 710 North America
Salishan languages 25 1,969 North America
Chimakuan languages 2 extinct North America
Chinookan languages 4 extinct North America Penutian (disputed)
Kalapuyan languages 3 extinct North America Penutian (disputed)
Coosan languages 2 extinct North America Penutian (disputed)
Sahaptian languages 5 225 North America Plateau Penutian (disputed)
Shastan languages 4 extinct North America Hokan (disputed)
Yuki–Wappo languages 2 extinct North America
Pomoan languages 7 47 North America Hokan (disputed)
Wintuan languages 2 extinct North America Penutian (disputed)
Palaihnihan languages 2 10 North America Hokan (disputed)
Maiduan languages 4 3 North America Penutian (disputed)
Utian languages 13 18 North America Yok-Utian, Penutian (disputed)
Chumashan languages 6 extinct North America
Yokutsan languages 4 50 North America Yok-Utian, Penutian (disputed)
Uto-Aztecan languages 58 1,910,442 North America Aztec–Tanoan (possible)
Yuman–Cochimí languages 12 3,710 North America Hokan (disputed)
Siouan–Catawban languages 14 33,399 North America
Algic languages 41 214,768 North America
Keres languages 2 10,670 North America
Tanoan–Kiowa languages 6 6,000 North America Aztec–Tanoan (possible)
Caddoan languages 5 46 North America
Totonacan languages 12 282,250 North America Totozoquean (possible)
Tarascan languages 2 225,100 North America
Oto-Manguean languages 176 1,678,214 North America
Huavean languages 4 14,670 North America
Mixe–Zoque languages 17 153,612 North America Totozoquean (possible)
Tequistlatecan languages 3 5,494 North America Hokan (disputed)
Muskogean languages 6 15,640 North America Gulf (possible)
Mayan languages 31 6,522,182 North America
Xincan languages (5) extinct North America Macro-Chibchan (?)
Jicaquean languages 2 500 North America Hokan (disputed)
Lencan languages 2 extinct North America Macro-Chibchan, Hokan (disputed)
Misumalpan languages 5 709,000 North America Macro-Chibchan, Hokan (disputed)
Iroquoian languages 9 14,543 North America
Arawakan languages 54 699,709 North America, South America
Chibchan languages 20 306,267 North America, South America Macro-Chibchan (?)
Choco languages 7 114,600 North America, South America
Carib languages 29 67,376 North America, South America Je–Tupi–Carib (possible)
Barbacoan languages 3 24,800 South America Macro-Paesan (disputed)
Jivaroan languages 4 89,630 South America
Quechuan languages 45 7,768,820 South America
Aymaran languages 3 2,808,740 South America
Uru–Chipaya languages 2 1,200 South America
Huarpean languages 3 extinct South America
Araucanian languages 2 262,000 South America
Chonan languages (6) extinct South America Moseten–Chonan, Macro-Panoan (possible)
Alacalufan languages 1 12 South America
Guajiboan languages 5 39,290 South America
Kakua-Nukak languages 2 610 South America Macro-Puinavean (disputed)
Otomákoan languages 2 extinct South America Macro-Otomákoan (disputed)
Piaroa–Saliban languages 3 18,630 South America
Nadahup languages 4 2,894 South America Macro-Puinavean (disputed)
Yanomaman languages 4 31,670 South America
Tucanoan languages 23 30,308 South America
Boran languages 2 1,500 South America Bora–Witoto (disputed)
Witotoan languages 7 17,478 South America Bora–Witoto (disputed)
Peba–Yaguan languages 1 5,700 South America Saparo–Yawan (disputed)
Zaparoan languages 3 90 South America Saparo–Yawan (disputed)
Hibito–Cholon languages 2 extinct South America
Cahuapanan languages 2 10,370 South America
Ticuna–Yuri languages 2 48,580 South America
Pano-Tacanan languages 45 51,539 South America Macro-Panoan (disputed)
Arawan languages 8 5,870 South America
Katukinan languages 2 10 South America Harákmbut–Katukinan, Macro-Puinavean (disputed)
Harákmbut languages 2 2,220 South America Harákmbut–Katukinan, Macro-Otomákoan (disputed)
Tupian languages 66 5,026,502 South America Je–Tupi–Carib (possible)
Chapacuran languages 4 2,019 South America Wamo–Chapakura (disputed)
Nambikwaran languages 6 1,068 South America
Bororoan languages 3 1,392 South America Macro-Jê (disputed)
Chiquitano languages 2 4,670 South America
Zamucoan languages 2 5,900 South America
Mascoian languages 6 20,728 South America Mataco–Guaicuru (?)
Matacoan languages 7 60,280 South America Mataco–Guaicuru (?)
Guaicuruan languages 4 49,350 South America Mataco–Guaicuru (?)
Macro-Jê languages 30 51,093 South America Je–Tupi–Carib (possible)
Charruan languages (3) extinct South America Mataco–Guaicuru (?)
Kamakã languages 4 extinct South America Macro-Jê (disputed)
Purian languages 2 extinct South America Macro-Jê (disputed)

Sign language families

Family Name Location Number of Languages
French Sign Europe, the Americas, Francophone Africa, parts of Asia Over 50
British Sign United Kingdom , Australia , New Zealand, South Africa 4–10
Arab Sign Much of the Arab World 6–10
Japanese Sign Japan , Korea, Taiwan 3
German Sign Germany , Poland , Israel 3
Swedish Sign Sweden, Finland , Portugal 3
Chinese Sign China (including Hong Kong and Macau) 2

See also

References

  1. ↑ "What are the largest language families?". May 25, 2019. https://www.ethnologue.com/guides/largest-families. 
  2. ↑ "North Caucasian". http://www.ethnologue.com/subgroups/north-caucasian-1. 

External links



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