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 | 1,314 | 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 | 1,980 | 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) |
Plateau Penutian languages | 4 | 125 | North America | 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) |