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 AsiaCaucasian 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
The family relationships of sign languages are not well established due to a lagging in linguistic research, and many are isolates (cf. Wittmann 1991).[3]
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