Polynesian Triangle

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The Polynesian Triangle is a geographical region of the Pacific Ocean anchored by Hawai'i, Rapa Nui and New Zealand.
The Polynesian Triangle is a geographical region of the Pacific Ocean anchored by Hawai'i, Rapa Nui and New Zealand.

The Polynesian Triangle is a region of the Pacific Ocean anchored by three island groups: Hawai‘i, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and New Zealand. The many island cultures within this vast triangle speak Polynesian languages which are classified by linguists as part of the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup and thus ultimately derive from the proto-Austronesian language spoken in Southeast Asia 5000 years ago. Polynesians also share similar cultural traditions, arts, religion, and sciences. Anthropologists believe that all modern Polynesian cultures descend from a single protoculture established in the South Pacific by migrant Malayo-Polynesian people (see also Lapita).

The seven main Polynesian cultures are from:

Fiji has a Melanesian culture but one with significant Polynesian influence. It is sometimes mistaken for being a part of Polynesia.

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