| Abstract: |
However, on the basis of the lines of evidence presently available, it would appear that the Malayo-Polynesian languages were already widely distributed in Taiwan, Indonesia, Melanesia, and probably the Philippines by 1500 B.C. or shortly thereafter. Subsequent movements within those areas are probably best regarded as local phenomena, although a few may have affected a number of islands. The most significant movements after approximately 1500 B.C. probably led to the establishment of Malayo-Polynesian languages in Fiji, Polynesia, (most if not all of) Micronesia, and Madagascar. The movement to Madagascar appears to have originated in Borneo. The author believes that those to Fiji, to Polynesia, and to most of Micronesia originated in the New Hebrides. Malayo-Polynesian languages were widely distributed in all of the last three areas by 500 A.D.
|
