Classification
Various classifications of the Paman languages exist. The one outlined below is that of R. W. Dixon, though he does not accept that these branches are necessarily related to each other. Another widely accepted classification, that of Ethnologue, is available online.
Geographically, running down the east coast, they are:
- North Cape York (Northern Paman and Umpila)
- Umbindhamu
- Lamalamic: Umbuygamu, Lama-Lama (closely related)
- Yalgawarra (Flinders Island) (and the unclassified Marrett River language)
- Yalanjic: Guugu Yimidhirr, Gugu Yalandyi, ?Barrow Point
- Mbariman: Mbariman-Gudhinma, Gugu Warra (inland)
- Djabugay
Down the west coast, they are:
- North Cape York (Northern Paman and Wik)
- Southwestern (See)
- Kok Narr
- Norman Paman: Kurtjar, Kuthant (closely related)
- Gugadj
In the interior, south of Wik, they are:
- Thaypan (Rarmul Pama, closely related): Thaypan (?Rarmul), Aghu Tharrnggala, Ikarranggali–Alungul–Angkula, ?Takalak
- Southern: Agwamin, Mbabaram, Mbara, ?Walangama
The name Gugu Mini means 'good speech', and have been applied to several languages in the Thaypan area. Despite not being a specific language, it has been assigned the ISO code ggm. Koko-Possum (Possum) is another generic name of this area.
The Mayabic languages to the southwest were once classified as Paman, but have been excluded in Bowern (2011).
Read more about this topic: Paman Languages