Austronesia

proper noun

Pronunciation: /ˌɔːstrəˈniːʒə/

Definition

A geographical and linguistic region encompassing the islands of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Ocean, and Madagascar, where the majority of the population speaks languages belonging to the Austronesian family.

Examples

• Archaeologists have long studied the migration patterns that led to the settlement of Austronesia.

• The cultural diversity found across Austronesia is reflected in its unique maritime traditions.

• Linguists categorize the languages spoken throughout Austronesia as one of the world's largest language families.

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