A Reconstruction of the Proto-Iwaidjan Phoneme System*.

This paper aims to evaluate the Proto-Iwaidjan hypothesis, which proposes that several languages in northwestern Arnhem Land in Northern Australia are genetically related. The evaluation is based on a rigorous application of the Comparative Method to provide an initial reconstruction of the Proto-Iwaidjan segmental inventory. We show that Amurdak, Iwaidja and Mawng are demonstrably genetically related. Given that Ilgar and Garig are very close in terms of grammar and vocabulary to Iwaidja, their membership of the Iwaidjan family is also supported. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the inclusion of Marrku, Wurrugu and Manangkari within the Iwaidjan language family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]