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
Lantana / Kaarfaai hateebaq
| English Plant Name: | Lantana |
| Abui Plant Name: | Kaarfaai hateebaq |
| Scientific Name: | TBC |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
When somebody gets a fresh injury, he/she could chew the leaf of karfaai hateebaq ‘lit. buffalo’s intestine’ or the lantana leaf, put it on the injury and the bitter juice would spread into the wound to help with recovery.
The lantana is a new type of grass/weed/plant which people cut out in their fields. The name of the weed – karfaai hateebaq is coined due to the way the plant grows. It grows in clusters and resembles buffalo’s intestines. The smell of the latana is fragrant buts its juice is very bitter.
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| Remarks:
Awaiting |