Methodology and Collection

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

Eucalyptus / Kawaaqa

English Plant Name: Eucalyptus
Abui Plant Name: Kawaaqa
Scientific Name: Eucalyptus globulus
Etymological Reconstruction: TBC
Medicinal properties
Cultural relevance to the Abui people
Oral stories

It is used to heal malaria. People can take out a small piece of eucalyptus bark, crush it, put in into a cup of hot water, filter the material and drink its juice, which is bitter. TTh sap of the eucalyptus can be used to cure stinky or wormy wound, either on the animal or human body.

Remarks:

Tentative