Macro-Gunwinyguan languages

Macro-Gunwinyguan
Arnhem
Geographic
distribution
northern Australia
Linguistic classificationMacro-Pama–Nyungan?
  • Macro-Gunwinyguan
Subdivisions
Language codes
Glottologgunw1250  (Gunwinyguan)
mani1293  (Maningrida)
mang1423  (Mangarrayi-Maran)
kung1259  (Kungarakany)
gaga1251  (Gaagudju)
The Arnhem languages (purple), and other non-Pama–Nyungan languages (grey). Below (closeup): the individual families.

 

The Macro-Gunwinyguan languages, also called Arnhem or Gunwinyguan, are a family of Australian Aboriginal languages spoken across eastern Arnhem Land in northern Australia. Their relationship has been demonstrated through shared morphology in their verbal inflections.

Many of the languages have a fortis–lenis contrast in plosive consonants. Lenis/short plosives have weak contact and intermittent voicing, while fortis/long plosives have full closure, a more powerful release burst, and no voicing.[citation needed]