| Karnic | |
|---|---|
| Geographic distribution | Australia |
| Linguistic classification | Pama–Nyungan
|
| Subdivisions | |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | – |
| Glottolog | karn1253 |
 Karnic languages (green) among other Pama–Nyungan (tan). The four solid-green sections are Arabana (west), Palku (north), Karna (central strip), Ngura (east). The striped area to the east is Kungkari and Birria, which may have been Karnic. | |
TheKarnic languages are a group of languages of thePama–Nyungan family. According to Dixon (2002), these are three separate families, but Bowern (2001) establishes regular paradigmatic connections among many of the languages, demonstrating them as a genealogical group. Bowern classifies them as follows:
Other languages of the area may be Karnic, but are too poorly attested to be secure. Breen (2007) writes of "Karna–Mari fringe" languages which are "a discontinuous group of languages, mostly poorly attested, scattered between Karnic andMari languages but not showing much connection with either or with one another. The only one well attested is also the most remote geographically,Kalkutungu".[1] The possibilities listed but not included in Bowern (2001) due to lack of materials, and included in the list in Bowern (2011),[2] are Birria (Pirriya/Bidia) [not the Biri/Birria in Maric],Pirlatapa,Kungkari (and unconfirmedKungatutyi/Gungadidji, not the same as the Mari dialect),Karuwali (and unconfirmed Kulumali) [included under Midhaga in Dixon]. Unconfirmed names mentioned in Bowern (2011)[citation needed] areKarangura,Mayawali, andNhirrpi.
See alsoNgura; some varieties are Karnic, but others may beMaric.