How did Arthur Phillip learn about Aborigines?

Answer 1

Captain Arthur Phillip learned more about the Australian Aborigines by direct contact with them, which he achieved by kidnapping several Aborigines. Bennelong and Arabanoo were two of the Aborigines he kidnapped in an attempt to learn to understand them better, and to learn to communicate with them. He developed a strong relationship with Bennelong, who even travelled back to England with Arthur Phillip, where he was presented before the king.

Whilst this move assisted Arthur Phillip in leaning about the Aborigines, it did little for Bennelong. He found he could not integrate properly into white society, and his own people rejected him for adopting European ways. He found himself caught between two opposing worlds.