Dyirbal language cluster
Dyirbal (alternatively, Djirbal, Jirrbal) can refer to the language of a specific group (the Dyirbalŋan) or be used as a generic term for groups of rainforest peoples speaking dialects of a common language. Although the speakers of the various dialects regard them as different languages, R. M. W. Dixon classified them based on linguistic similarities — some shared as much as 90% of their vocabularies — and applied the name of the dialect with the most speakers as the identifier for the cluster.
The AIATSIS Austlang database lists eight dialects identified by Dixon as falling under Dyirbal:
- Ngadjan/Ngadjon Y121 (alternatively, Ngadyan), spoken by the Ngadyandyi;
- Waribarra Mamu Y118, including dialects were spoken by the Waɽibara, Bagiɽgabara, Dyiɽibara, and Mandubara.
- Dulgubarra Mamu Y235
- Jabunbarra Jirrbal (Y149) (alternatively, Dyirbal) spoken by the Dyirbalŋan;
- Gulngay Y126 (alternatively, Gulŋay), spoken by the Malanbara;
- Djirru Y124 (alternatively, Djiru/Dyiru), spoken by the Dyirubagala.
- Girramay Y127 (alternatively Giramay), spoken by the Giramaygan;
- Walmalbarra Y150
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