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

Turmeric / Kariri

English Plant Name: Turmeric
Abui Plant Name: Kariri
Scientific Name: Curcuma longa
Etymological Reconstruction: TBC
Medicinal properties
Cultural relevance to the Abui people
Oral stories

Turmeric can be used to treat pimples. People can scratch a tuber of tumeric and smear their faces to treat it.It can also treat nose problems in babies, which affect their breathing. Their mothers may crush turmeric and put on the baby’s front head.

Remarks:

Tentative