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Melanesian

People, cultures, and languages of Melanesia.

Melanesian people Melanesians

A term referring to the people, cultures, and languages of Melanesia, a region in the southwestern Pacific Ocean comprising parts of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and other nearby islands.

Etymology

Derived from Greek 'melas' (black) and 'nesos' (island).

Explain Like I’m 5

Melanesians are people from a region of islands in the Pacific Ocean, known for their unique cultures and languages.

Fun Facts

Melanesians have a long history of seafaring and navigation
Some Melanesian languages are Austronesian, while others are Papuan
The term 'Melanesia' was coined by Jules Dumont d'Urville in 1850

FAQ

What region do Melanesians come from? Melanesia, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean
What are some defining characteristics? Diverse cultures and languages
Where is Melanesia located? It includes Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

Austronesian peoples Pacific Islander

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

Fijians Papua New Guineans Solomon Islanders Vanuatu islanders

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

Pacific Ocean Oceania

Indexes

Pacific Island cultural group geographic region

Related

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