generate questions: The origins of the people of Tuvalu are addressed in the theories regarding migration into the Pacific that began about 3000 years ago. During pre-European-contact times there was frequent canoe voyaging between the nearer islands including Samoa and Tonga. Eight of the nine islands of Tuvalu were inhabited; thus the name, Tuvalu, means "eight standing together" in Tuvaluan (compare to *walo meaning "eight" in Proto-Austronesian). Possible evidence of fire in the Caves of Nanumanga may indicate human occupation for thousands of years.
How many years ago did migrations of people happen in the Pacific area? {sep_token} By what means did locale people travel between Pacific islands? {sep_token} How many islands are in the Tuvalu group? {sep_token} On how many of Tuvalu's islands did people live? {sep_token} What is the native language meaning of Tuvalu?