Karnic languages
The Karnic languages are a group of Australian languages in the large Pama–Nyungan family. They were spoken in a broad area across central Australia.
Main branches: The best-known Karnic languages include Arabana (west), Palku (north), Karna (central), and Ngura (east). To the east of this area, Kungkari and Birria may have been Karnic, but this is not certain.
Classification: Linguists disagree about how Karnic fits into the language family. Some early work treated them as three separate families, while later researchers like Bowern show regular connections that group many Karnic languages together. Bowern lists the four main branches—Arabana, Palku, Karna, and Ngura—and notes that other languages in the area could be Karnic but are poorly documented.
Karna–Mari fringe and other names: There is a fringe of languages sometimes described as Karna–Mari, scattered between Karnic and Mari with little clear connection. Kalkutungu is the best-attested member of this fringe. Other named languages mentioned in sources include Birria (Pirriya/Bidia), Pirlatapa, Kungkari (and Kungatutyi/Gungadidji, not the same as a Mari dialect), Karuwali, and Kulumali, though their status is uncertain. Some names like Karangura, Mayawali, and Nhirrpi are unconfirmed. Because evidence is limited, some varieties in the region may be Karnic while others may be Maric.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 13:49 (CET).