Methodology
This study combines Field Linguistics and Language Documentation methods. The team conducted field work, together with a local consultant, Mr Benediktus Delpada, to collect original and ‘first-hand’ data, documented plant species (English and Abui plant names and the scientific name). Besides looking at the medicinal properties and cultural relevance (from the perspective of the Abui people), the team also explored local myths and legends connected with the plants.
Thereafter, the team organised the data in a database which is reflected below.
| Please note that all Abui plant names, reported medical usages of plants and any associated legends or myths recorded below are the intellectual property of the Abui people. |
Collection
Candlenut / Fiyaai
| English Plant Name: | Candlenut |
| Abui Plant Name: | Fiyaai |
| Scientific Name: | Aleurites moluccanus |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
Candlenut is used as medicine for cough, fever and injury in one’s foot(print), specifically. When a child has a fever, people may crush a candlenut, put it in some water, and smear the material on the sick child’s body. When one’s body feels painful, people can chew a candlenut, gush it with the candle nut’s juice and massage.
Fiyaai futal ‘candle nut ornament’ is the name of a cheap bride price.It also appears in the names of villages, e.g. fiyaai lelang ‘lit. kin of candle nut’.Candlenut wood could be used to make wall of a house. As such, it is sold as a commodity. People can harvest, clean, and sell candlenuts to the local market, Kalabahi.
| Remarks:
Tentative |