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West Papuan Highlands
Irian Highlands
Geographic distribution	Highlands of Irian Jaya
Linguistic classification	Trans–New Guinea West Papuan Highlands
Subdivisions	Dani Paniai Lakes Amung–Dem
Language codes
Glottolog	None
Map: The Irian Highlands languages of New Guinea   The Irian Highlands families   Other Trans–New Guinea families   Other Papuan languages   Austronesian languages   Uninhabited

The West Papuan Highland languages, also known as the Irian Highland languages, are a branch of the Trans–New Guinea language family proposed by Larson & Larson (1972) and confirmed by Timothy Usher. William A. Foley considers their Trans–New Guinea identity to be established.

• Dani (Balim Valley) family
• Paniai Lakes (Wissel Lakes) family
• Amung–Dem
  • Uhunduni (Amung, Damal)
  • Dem

History

Capell linked the Dani languages to Kwerba in 1962, a position followed by Wurm, who included Dani-Kwerba and the Wissel Lakes (Paniai Lakes) languages as branches of Trans–New Guinea. Larson & Larson (1972) proposed that the Dani and Paniai Lakes families, along with the Amung and Dem isolates, grouped together within TNG. Ross (2005) suggests a possible link between Dani and Paniai with his West TNG proposal. Usher confirms Larson & Larson and finds that the Amung and Dem languages are closest to each other.

References

1. NewGuineaWorld - West Papuan Highlands

• West Papuan Highlands languages
• Trans–New Guinea languages
• Languages of Western New Guinea