A STUDY OF ABUI: BUILDING AN ABUI BOTANICAL CORPUS AND EXAMINING ABUI CULTURE THROUGH ITS FOLKTALES

Abstract

As a whole, this paper aims to document the Abui language. The main discussion portion of this paper is presented in two sections. The first details the process of collecting and organising data collected on the Abui language, then transforming it into a database. In particular, this paper focuses on the Abui plant names. Data on Abui botany was collected with the help of local Abui consultants. Descriptions of the plants, any attested medicinal uses and folklore or myths associated with the plants were also recorded. As more data was gathered, the process of verifying and organising the data took on greater importance. Various factors were considered, including the possible future expansion of this paper. These are discussed in detail in this paper, and possible areas for further expansion are also discussed. The second part focuses on presenting two previously undocumented folktales associated with two plants, and exploring the cultural significance of these stories.