| North Sarawakan | |
|---|---|
| Geographic distribution: |
Northern Sarawak, Borneo |
| Linguistic classification: | Austronesian
|
| Subdivisions: |
Kayan–Murik (incl. Kenyah)
|
The North Sarawakan languages consist of several groups Austronesian languages spoken in the northeastern part of the province of Sarawak, Borneo.
A 2008 analysis of the Austronesian Basic Vocabulary Database found full support for the unity of the North Sarawakan languages. Blust (1991), cited in Adelaar & Himmelmann (2005), had specifically excluded the Kayan (Kayan-Murik) languages, though including the neighboring Kenyah languages. However, the 2008 study found Kenyah to fall within Kayan-Murik, and that all were North Sarawakan:
In addition, the Punan–Nibong languages, not addressed by Adelaar & Himmelmann or the 2008 study, are suggested by Ethnologue 15 to be closest to Kenyah.