Austronesian

Austronesian refers to a diverse group of peoples, languages, and cultures originating from Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. The Austronesian language family includes over 1,200 languages spoken across regions such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Madagascar, Taiwan, Polynesia, and Micronesia. Historically, Austronesian-speaking peoples are known for their maritime skills, fostering extensive sea travel and trade. Their languages share common roots, evolving uniquely based on geographic and cultural influences. Understanding Austronesian helps to recognize the interconnectedness of these island communities and their rich maritime heritage.