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
Areca nut / Fu
| English Plant Name: | Areca nut |
| Abui Plant Name: | Fu |
| Scientific Name: | Areca catechu |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
Sliced betel nut is known as fu reempal in Abui.The custom of chewing betel nut has been used to turn one’s lip’s red as well as to strength ones teeth. Betel nut is used to treat someone who suffers from gastritis. The person afflicted with gastritis would chew and shallow the betel nut.
When the Abui people chew on betel nuts (either dry or young ones), betel nut vine and lime together, their mouths/lips become red.Some betel nuts cause people to become drunk, but not for others. Abui people also use betel nut leaf as brooms for cleaning on the platform.In the past while Abui people are in a field, they would chew dry sliced betel nut and spits its juice in the middle of a piece of young bamboo. They would then lit the bamboo on fire to make it explode. If the bamboo exploded, this signified that the growth of rice and corn plants, and their harvests would be enough.
| Remarks:
Verified |