Austronesians in Madagascar: A Critical Assessment of the Works of Paul Ottino and Philippe Beaujard

Abstract

The history of contacts between East Africa and island South East Asia (henceforth ISEA) is a long one. Based on current research, this history is punctuated by at least three important events. The first of these is the beginning of any contacts between East Africa and ISEA, which dates from 300 BC or possibly earlier and involves the transfer of cultigens (including banana, yam, taro, and rice) as well as boat technology and several other elements. This transfer has usually been assumed to go from ISEA to East Africa, but it also went in opposite direction. A second event is the settlement of Madagascar by speakers of Austronesian languages. It covers a period probably beginning around the ..