Melanesian - Hutchinson encyclopedia article about Melanesian Printer Friendly
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Melanesian

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Melanesian

The indigenous inhabitants of Melanesia; any of the Pacific peoples of Melanesia. The Melanesian languages belong to the Austronesian family.

The most important language is Fjian (200,000 speakers), though more than a hundred other Melanesian languages are spoken in other islands.

Papuan languages, which do not belong to the Austronesian family, are also spoken in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and New Britain. On islands where there are substantial immigrant populations (mainly from Europe or Asia) there has been tension in recent years. The distribution of profits from mining interests has also been a contentious issue.
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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Tambo is Melanesian for taboo, and is first cousin to that Polynesian word.
South Sea Tales by London, Jack View in context
In this the ancient was in nowise unlike the rest of his dark- skinned Melanesian race.
Michael, Brother of Jerry by London, Jack View in context
One of his tambos (tambo being beche-de-mer and Melanesian for "taboo") was that water unavoidable must never touch his skin.
Jerry of the Islands by London, Jack View in context
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