Melanesians
Indigenous inhabitants of Melanesia / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Melanesians are the predominant and indigenous inhabitants of Melanesia, in an area stretching from New Guinea to the Fiji Islands.[1] Most speak one of the many languages of the Austronesian language family (especially ones in the Oceanic branch) or one of the many unrelated families of Papuan languages. There are several creoles of the region, such as Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, Solomon Islands Pijin, Bislama, and Papuan Malay.[2]
Quick Facts Languages, Religion ...
Languages | |
---|---|
Melanesian languages, Papuan languages, Indonesian, English, English-based creoles, Rabaul Creole German, French | |
Religion | |
Predominantly Christianity, minority traditional Melanesian religion, and Islam | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Aboriginal Australians, Austronesian peoples, Euronesians |
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