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
Papaya / Bataamaal
| English Plant Name: | Papaya |
| Abui Plant Name: | Bataamaal |
| Scientific Name: | Carica papaya |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
Papaya can be used to treat malaria, new wounds, body ache, cough, and fever. When someone suffers from a wound, people can scratch the outer skin of the papaya stem, wash the scratch, put it on the wound, and cover it with a piece of cloth.
| Remarks:
Tentative |