| Dani | |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity: | Dani, Lani, Yali, etc |
| Geographic distribution: |
Highlands of Irian Jaya |
| Linguistic classification: | Trans–New Guinea |
| Subdivisions: |
Wano
Dani proper
?Ngalik
|
The Dani languages are a family of clearly related Trans–New Guinea languages spoken by the Dani and related peoples in the highlands of Irian Jaya. Foley (2003) considers their TNG status to be established. They may be most closely related to the languages of Paniai Lakes, but this is not yet clear. Capell (1962) had posited that their closest relatives were the Kwerba languages, which Ross (2005) rejects.
The family is traditionally divided into three branches. The Ngalik languages are very poorly attested (Malcolm Ross could not even find pronouns to classify them), so this picture may need revision.