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
K.O. tuber / Muwok
English Plant Name: | K.O. tuber |
Abui Plant Name: | Muwok |
Scientific Name: | TBC |
Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
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In the past, Abui ancesrtors said: “we need to feed the land to become full, then we wait for its time to come – and when the time in the future comes and we feel hungry, we inspect the land’s store”. The words mean that we have to complete the land with various types of crops like cassava, potato, muwok ‘k.o. tuber’, so that when famine comes, like a store, we inspect the store of the earth/land.Muwok is itchy, so people must peel its skin, rinse and clean it, cook and then eat it. People may make porridge from muwok tuber and eat.
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Remarks:
Verified |