The Baining languages: a window on the history of Island Melanesia

巴布亚新几内亚是澳大利亚最近的邻国。东新不列颠省是巴布亚新几内亚经济最重要的地区之一，因其丰富的自然资源。然而，它也是土地和资源分配问题上长期存在的种族紧张关系的所在地。该项目将增加澳大利亚对该省语言、文化、历史和政治的了解，并加强澳大利亚在该地区作出明智的经济和政治决策的能力。该项目将加强澳大利亚在美拉尼西亚研究领域的领导地位，培养研究生，并加强该地区的战略联系。

Papua New Guinea is Australia's nearest neighbour. The province of East New Britain is one of Papua New Guinea's most economically important regions due to its significant natural resources. However, it is also home to long-standing ethnic tensions over the distribution of land and resources. This project will increase Australia's understanding of the languages, cultures, history and politics of the province, and strengthen Australia's ability to make informed economic and political decisions in the area. The project will reinforce Australia's leadership in the field of Melanesian Studies, train postgraduate students, and strengthen strategic ties in the region.