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
Fig tree / Nabu
| English Plant Name: | Fig tree |
| Abui Plant Name: | Nabu |
| Scientific Name: | Ficus carica |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
Medicinal properties
Cultural relevance to the Abui people
Oral stories
The young tip of the fig tree fibers is used as material to rinse the hair for it to grow well. The tip is taken, placed in hot water, and used to rinse one’s hair.
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| Remarks:
Tentative |