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
A small type of wild seeded banana / rahatai
| English Plant Name: | A small type of wild seeded banana |
| Abui Plant Name: | rahatai |
| Scientific Name: | TBC |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
Medicinal properties
Cultural relevance to the Abui people
Oral stories
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Rahatai is inedible, however, it was consumed by ancestors in the famine. It is said that rahatai bananas could break somebody’s teeth if she consumed it.
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| Remarks:
Awaiting |