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Culture of Oceania. Languages of Oceania. Oceania is home to over 1,100 languages – both traditional and European languages Many speak their traditional languages and the languages of their European imperialists, English is the most common. Religion.
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Languages of Oceania • Oceania is home to over 1,100 languages – both traditional and European languages • Many speak their traditional languages and the languages of their European imperialists, English is the most common
Religion • Because of the work of missionaries, Christianity is the most common religion in Oceania • Some Pacific islanders still practice their traditional religions
Arts and Crafts of Pacific Islanders • Many Pacific Islanders produce things like baskets and mats woven from the leaves of palm trees or carved wooden masks • Some make a living selling these items to tourists
Everyday lives of islanders • Many Pacific islanders live in villages • Homes are usually wooden with thatched roofs • A chief led the village • Villagers lived on fishing and farming
Ethnic makeup of Australia and New Zealand • Most Australians and New Zealanders are of British decent • Australia has a high rate of immigration – over 20% of the population are foreign born • About 1% of Australians are of Aboriginal (native) decent • About 15% of New Zealanders are of Maori (native) decent
British colonialism leaves its mark • Years of colonization by the British means that Australians have a lot of cultural characteristics of Great Britain: • The drive on the left side of the road • Enjoy drinking tea • Speak English • Are Christian
Aboriginal art • The Aboriginal people have an ancient tradition of painting human and animal figures • These paintings can be seen on rock walls around the country
Art and literature • Australians with European ancestry paint the landscape • Russell Drysdale is famous for his pictures of the outback • Australian novelists write adventure stories about the outback
Culture of New Zealand • New Zealand’s culture blends British and Maori traditions • English and Maori are official languages • Maori art is popular – intricate woodcarvings and poetic legends The Lord of the Rings trilogy was directed by New Zealander Peter Jackson. The movies were also filmed in New Zealand.
Sports in Australia • Many British sports are popular in Australia – football (soccer), cricket, and rugby • Aussie Rules Football is very popular and is a combination of football and rugby and is played on a cricket field • It is very rough!
Sports in New Zealand • Sports like skiing and mountain climbing are popular in New Zealand because of its mountainous terrain