Proto-Polynesian is the reconstructed ancestor of the Polynesian languages, which are part of the larger Austronesian language family. It is believed to have been spoken around 1,000 to 2,000 years ago in the region of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Linguists use comparative methods to study the similarities among modern Polynesian languages, such as Hawaiian, Maori, and Samoan, to infer characteristics of Proto-Polynesian. The development of Proto-Polynesian is significant for understanding the migration patterns of the Polynesian people. This language laid the foundation for the diverse languages spoken across the Polynesian Triangle, which includes Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island. Studying Proto-Polynesian helps researchers trace cultural and historical connections among these island communities.