Final answer:
Fiji did not adopt a Polynesian identity primarily due to its geographical location in Melanesia and the significant influence of South Asian immigrants who arrived during British colonial rule. Additionally, the unique cultural and historical developments, including the breakdown of the caste system and the ongoing ethnic and political conflicts, have significantly shaped Fiji's distinct identity separate from Polynesian culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of why Fiji didn't become Polynesian is rooted in the region's complex cultural and historical dynamics. Fiji is geographically located in Melanesia and thus its indigenous inhabitants are Melanesian. However, the cultural identity of Fiji has been notably influenced by the arrival and subsequent settlement of South Asian indentured workers during British colonial rule. These immigrants arrived in the late nineteenth century to work on sugar plantations, bringing with them their own languages and traditions which eventually led to the creation of a new common language and the breakdown of the traditional Indian caste system.
Furthermore, political tensions and ethnic conflicts between the Melanesian majority and the South Asian minority have been a persistent theme in Fijian society. This is due to the significant number of South Asians who remained in Fiji after the end of British colonialism and now constitute a substantial part of the population. The existence of these two dominant groups within Fijian society and their social and political interactions have shaped Fiji's unique cultural landscape, preventing the formation of a Polynesian identity similar to that of other Pacific island nations.
In contrast, Polynesian culture is characterized by its specific adaptations to island living, as seen in areas like fishing, farming, navigation, and the use of natural resources. Indigenous Polynesian groups, such as the Maori of New Zealand, developed their traditions and lifestyles over centuries, relatively isolated until European contact. Therefore, Fiji's divergent historical experiences, coupled with its geographical placement and ethnic composition, have led to its distinct non-Polynesian identity.