Interdisciplinary approach to intercultural exchanges and the integration of Polynesian communities in Central Vanuatu

Résumé 0

Central Vanuatu is known for its chiefdoms based on titles and clan affiliations, which are reminiscent of the typical social organization in Polynesia. Moreover, the presence of several Polynesian-speaking communities in the outliers of Mele, Ifira and Emae proves that migrations from Polynesian islands occurred centuries before European contact. In this paper, we analyze the available linguistic data in order to identify loanwords between Polynesian and non-Polynesian languages. We examine multiple sources of information to document the semantic values of the discussed forms, including ethnographic and archaeological sources. This approach, inspired by the ‘triangulation method’ developed by P. Kirch and R. Green, provides evidence for specific patterns of interaction that created a unique cultural sphere in central Vanuatu. Furthermore, this paper provides insight onto the kinds of items that should be present in the archaeological signatures of Polynesian occupations in this region.