Difference between Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginals

 Every country has its own history, and every historical event has given birth to different terminologies. Our ancestors have a rich history of incidents, be it an invasion, civilisation, or globalisation. In order to understand the culture, customs, tradition and history of a country after so many years. It is important to know about the terminologies used in it. And it becomes more important to know about it if its impact is still present in society.

Talking about Australian civilisation, there are two terms that are used by people more often, which are "Torres Strait Islanders" and "Aboriginals". Both of them are the two indigenous groups in Australia. However, both of them are citizens of Australia. But if you are someone having a keen interest in knowing the history of Australia or even if you are pursuing any course related to it, then you should definitely know the differences between both. It will also help you in writing chcdiv002 assessment answers more efficiently. In this blog, we will discuss how Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginals are different from each other. But first, let's have a brief about it.

Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginals can both be differentiated by their roots. People living on the Australian mainland are known as Aboriginals, and people living in the Torres Strait Islands, are known as the Torres Strait Islanders. If we talk collectively about their contribution to the Australian population, then it measures around less than three percent. Now let's discuss both of them separately.

 


Aboriginals

People living in mainland Australia and Tasmania are generally known as Aboriginals. Their origin recites somewhere in Asia, and it is said that they got settled in Australia around 40,000 years ago. As a result, it makes them the first ever inhabitants, even before the Europeans. Aboriginals are nomadic people surviving on hunting and food gathering. Koori, Murri, Yapa, Yolngu, Yamatji, Wangkai, Anangu, and Palawah are some of the Aboriginal groups spread across Australia. In the meantime, there are about more than four hundred Aboriginal groups in Australia. 

Torres Strait Islanders

The Torres Strait Islands are small islands situated between Queensland and Papua New Guinea. The indigenous people reciting there are called Torres Strait Islanders. Falling out from Papua New Guinea and the Melanesian people, these people influenced their culture. They got their hands on seafaring and trade with neighbouring islands. They also depend upon hunting and food gathering and have been excellent in agriculture for ages.

 

How do Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginals differ from each other?

Even after being distinctive from each other, both communities believe in the power of the earth and the spirits of nature. The only difference is they both believe in different dream times. Whereas Aboriginals believe in the Dreamtime story of the Rainbow Serpent, as per them, he is the creator and saviour of the land. While the Torres Islanders believe in the Dreamtime story of stars and sky featuring Tagai or warriors. Along with this, their languages also differ from each other. The majority of the Aborigines speak Pama-Nyungan languages, and Kala Lagaw Ya and Meriam Mir languages are spoken by Torres Islanders.

These two indigenous groups have still preserved their rich culture and heritage, and their beliefs are celebrated across Australia.

These differences are vital to be known and should be considered by you if you are pursuing a course related to Australian literature or history. You should know it, no matter if you take online assignment help for writing your assessment. This basic knowledge is never going to be wasted.

 

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