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
Canary / Kanaai
| English Plant Name: | Canary |
| Abui Plant Name: | Kanaai |
| Scientific Name: | Phalaris canariensis |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
Medicinal properties
Cultural relevance to the Abui people
Oral stories
A young canary leaf is used to cure (bigger/ more serious) chicken pox after boiling it in a cooking pot.
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| Remarks:
Tentative |