Australian & Pacific Island Cultures

Customs and Culture

• Australian and Pacific Island cultures are a mix of traditional Polynesian island cultures and Western influences.
• Religions in the Pacific Islands combine native animistic beliefs with Christian ones.
• Western settlers have had a significant impact on cultures and populations in many places.

Australia and New Zealand

• Both countries have large populations originating from the United Kingdom.
• They have been independent long enough to have distinct cultures, but Western influences remain.
• Their governmental systems are based on the UK's parliamentary system, and they are officially constitutional monarchies.
• Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom remains on their currency.
• They share similarities in sports, humor, and cultural practices with British culture.

Native Influences

• Australian Aborigines and New Zealand's Maori have influenced the cultures of their respective countries.
• Australian art often features the outback and romanticizes it.
• New Zealand incorporates Maori languages and ceremonies in national anthems and greetings.

Unique Features

• Australia and New Zealand have unique animal and plant species, which contribute to their national identity.
• Symbols of Australia include kangaroos, koalas, and dingos, while kiwis and wetas are symbols of New Zealand.

Hawai'i and the Pacific Islands

• Hawai'i is heavily Western-influenced, with a significant impact from the United States.
• Culturally, Hawai'i is a mix of American and native Hawaiian culture.
• Other Pacific Islands are less Western-influenced and have majority native populations.
• Each island has its own distinct culture, with people generally living relaxed and slow-paced lives.

Language and Ethnicity

• Australian ethnicity is largely European (60% of population), with a significant British component (55%).
• Only 3% of Australia's population are indigenous, with 500 tribes and 250-300 languages spoken in 600 dialects.
• English is the majority language, but Australian slang is distinct and includes words like bonzer, strewth, and g'day.
• New Zealand has a larger native population (15%) and its own slang, with a stronger overlap with British slang.

Polynesian Triangle

• The Polynesian triangle is home to two main cultural groups: West Polynesia and East Polynesia.
• Western Polynesian cultures have dense populations, strong importance placed on marriages, and strong legal and trading systems.
• Eastern Polynesian cultures are more accustomed to smaller populations and islands.
• The Maori originate in Eastern Polynesian cultures.
• Polynesian languages are distinctive for their similar vowel sounds and use of apostrophes for glottal stops.

Micronesia and Melanesia

• Micronesia has five ethnic groups, all related to a larger Micronesian ethnicity.
• Micronesians are related to Filipinos, Polynesians, and Melanesians.
• Melanesia contains mostly native populations of the area.

Explore the unique blend of traditional Polynesian cultures and Western influences in Australia and the Pacific Islands. Learn about the impact of Christianity and Western settlers on native populations and cultures.