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
Betel nut / Meeting
| English Plant Name: | Betel nut |
| Abui Plant Name: | Meeting |
| Scientific Name: | Areca catechu |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | *mait |
The leaf of betel nut may be used to heal someone of pain or swelling in his/ her eyes.
A couple had 6 sons. Because the 6 brothers grew up in cruelty, they argued that if their mother gave birth to a girl, they’ll kill her while their parents were away. Eventually, their mother gave birth to a girl and she was named Meeting Laai Kaloqul. Although the girl was not well-liked by her brothers, they had no chance to kill the baby girl until their parents died. Eventually, their parents died and their chance came.Kawaaqa ‘k.o. eucalyptus tree’:The grandmother of the 7 children who were staying in a small house on a eucalyptus tree knew the evil plan of the 6 brothers. She took the baby girl to her house on the eucalyptus tree. The 6 brothers kept arguing and competing among themselves to kill the baby girl. Finally, the sixth brother killed the baby girl with a spear and she died. However, the grandmother followed the trail of the dead girl’s blood. At the end of the blood flow, the grandmother placed stones at the spot and fertilised the spot, watering it daily. From the spot then grew a betel nut plant which produced two betel nut fruits. The grandmother plucked both fruits of the betel nut and put them in a small basket at home. When the grandma went to work, the two betel nuts transformed into two women stealthily and they did housework. The two women prepared food for the grandma who worked and she was always surprised when she came home because there was food prepared for her. The grandma was very curious about this ‘miracle’. One day, she hid and spied on what happened. She saw 2 beautiful women pounding rice in mortar with pestle. She surprised the 2 women, who fainted and fell onto the ground. The 2 betel nuts finally became 2 beautiful women and they lived with the grandma and married men.
| Remarks:
Verified |