| West Papuan Highlands | |
| Also Known As: | Irian Highlands |
| Region: | Highlands of Irian Jaya |
| Familycolor: | Papuan |
| Fam1: | Trans–New Guinea |
| Child1: | Dani |
| Child2: | Paniai Lakes |
| Child3: | Amung–Dem |
| Glotto: | none |
| Map: | Irian Highlands languages.svg |
| Mapcaption: | Map: The Irian Highlands languages of New Guinea |
The West Papuan Highland languages, also known as the Irian Highland languages, are a branch of the Trans–New Guinea language family proposed by Larson & Larson (1972) and confirmed by Timothy Usher.[1] William A. Foley considers their Trans–New Guinea identity to be established.
Capell linked the Dani languages to Kwerba in 1962, a position followed by Wurm, who included Dani-Kwerba and the Wissel Lakes (Paniai Lakes) languages as branches of Trans–New Guinea. Larson & Larson (1972) proposed that the Dani and Paniai Lakes families, along with the Amung and Dem isolates, grouped together within TNG. Ross (2005) suggests a possible link between Dani and Paniai with his West TNG proposal. Usher confirms Larson & Larson and finds that the Amung and Dem languages are closest to each other.