The Aneityum Talking Dictionary currently has 2431 entries, with 1543 audio files and 860 images.
This image gallery has returned 860 entries.
nohosma
n. epiphytic orchid, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4119)
Scientific name: Dendrobium
Example: 1. The name means "ripe banana".
Semantic domains:
nahoj
n. tree, 7 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3646)
Scientific name: Garcinia pseudoguttifera
Example: The ripe fruits of this species smell very nice and people eat the inside part, which tastes similar to a banana. When fruit is ripe the outside is yellow and the inside is purple. The wood can be used for poles to make house rafters. When kids go fishing for shrimps they use the fruit to catch the shrimp by throwing the shrimp into the water which attracts the shrimp.
Semantic domains:
necñanpaeñ
n. terrestrial fern, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4094)
Scientific name: Tectaria crenata
Example: 1. The name describes a sea bird, whose long legs are similar in shape to the stipe of this fern.
Semantic domains:
noyeiwow
n. vine to 4 m, cultivated (collection: Michael J. Balick #5013)
Scientific name: Dioscorea alata
Example: This is a cultivated, edible tuber. If a cyclone comes and blows the vines, the tuber will still be intact. The vines of this type of Dioscorea are very strong. Normal yam vine tears in high winds and the tuber will not grow for food but will die; this one will not. It is very good for places with strong winds and storms.
Semantic domains:
nihivaiñpap
n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4779)
Scientific name: Macaranga tanarius
Semantic domains:
necñopod
n. tall shrub. Growing uncultivated near Unames outside the village. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #30)
Scientific name: Acalypha grandis
Semantic domains:
nohos iseyna
netjeñ
n. terrestrial fern, growing at edge of marsh (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3592)
Scientific name: Pteridium esculentum
Example: The root is used as a survival food, during famine, cook roots on fire and eat. Roast on charcoal.
Semantic domains:
ink
n. vine, growing in disturbed forest. Fruits green. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3470)
Scientific name: Passiflora suberosa
Example: A man named Johnnie (Reuben’s grandfather) brought this vine to Aneityum to use it as a rope to tie objects. The ripe fruits are used to paint the face and hands and children make drawings from this dye.
Semantic domains:
natauh
[ ɲataʊ ]
n. shell (big)
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
nipji nomu
n. type of seashell
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
Semantic domains:
niditau
n. tree, 8 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3636)
Scientific name: Ficus adenosperma
Example: The green fruits are edible, as are the young leaf apices--cook these in water and eat them. The wood is used for temporary houses, for example, to provide shade in a garden. For planting taro, or any root crop, sharpen the end of a stick of this tree and use it for making holes, particuarly in river sand where some crops are planted. This tree grows near the river and is an indication that this land is good for agriculture. The wood from the tree is very good for firewood. Name means "who are you." Plant used as an indicator of a tabu place. Take a branch and put it where another person is building or gardening and there is a dispute over that area of land. When this plant is placed there the person who is using the land should stop working it.
Semantic domains:
nejomti
n. terrestrial fern, 30 cm tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3716)
Scientific name: Tapeinidium denhamii
Example: The leaves of this plant, along with other leaves, are used to make an unspecified traditional medicine.
Semantic domains:
necñopod cap
n. shrub to 2. 5 m tall, 1 cm dbh (collection: Michael J. Balick #4856)
Scientific name: Acalypha grandis
Example: When a person gets burned by a fire, take the leaves, squeeze sap on the burn, and then rub a handful of leaves on the burn; use a larger amount of leaves if the person has a larger burn. Apply it directly after the person is burned. This treatment will stop the burn from blistering. Use once. When a 1 month to 2 year old baby has redness or sores on their tongue and cannot eat properly, and saliva is coming out from their mouth, take the sap of the crushed leaves in a spoon and give it to the baby. Take one teaspoon for a 1-5 month old child and a tablespoon for a 6-24 month old. Give the baby once a day for 2 days. This treatment cleanses out the reddish sores. If a person has a sore that is persistent and stays red and sore for a week or more, take 4 apices of this plant, chew and spit on the sore to help it heal. Use 1x in the morning, and next day in the afternoon. Use 2x only. If a person is walking in the bush and concerned about evil spirits, put a small branch behind the ear to be safe. To treat hot chest pain, dizziness, shortage of breath, and if a person has a hot pain that does not go away after taking panadol (aspirin), take 8 leaves and squeeze into a glass of water until it turns reddish, drink 1x a day for 3 days; this is said to make the pain go away.
Semantic domains:
napleañ
n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4765)
Scientific name: Adenanthera pavonina
Semantic domains:
namp̃owei
n. terrestrial fern, growing in secondary forest along the river. Fronds dimorphic. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3644)
Scientific name: Oceanopteris gibba
Example: This is a sacred plant, it will keep crops, such as foods, in good condition and protect people from famine and loss of crops. It grows wild along the river and people leave it there and also move the plants to the house along with Terminalia fruiticosa and other unspecified plants for use in protecting their crops. For example, when people go to the garden, they take their planting stick and place it near these plants for a while, and being near it will help protect the garden as a person then works with their planting stick to plant the garden.
Semantic domains:
nap̃at
n. terrestrial fern, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4099)
Scientific name: Callistopteris apiifolia
Example: 1. The name means "cloud". The plant is usually found on high ridges, in areas where there is often high moisture.
Semantic domains:
necñanman
n. small tree, 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4026)
Scientific name: Plerandra actinostigma
Example: 1. The name of this plant means birdfoot. Accordingly, portions of this plant are used when a fire is smoky, to abate the smoke.
Semantic domains:
inloptiri
n. shrub. Found in the village Unames. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #32)
Scientific name: Codiaeum variegatum
Example: 1. To cure when the anus falls out - Pound together 1 braches worth of inpalcapnesgin leaves and of both inloptiri (2-4 leaves, any age), also take the inner bark of nekeaitimi and nakhe. Put this into your hand, or another leaf and give it to the person to use it. This should be applied to the anus whenever the anus comes out. USed to use a clam shell to extract the bark but not anymore.
Semantic domains:
nuwuneto
n. type of seashell
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
Semantic domains:
inrowodamya
n. shrub to 1. 5 m tall, leaves green with red stripes (collection: Michael J. Balick #4978)
Scientific name: Cordyline fruticosa
Example: The leaves are used to wrap fish, lap-lap for cooking in the earth oven. Boil the leaves as a medicine for women with excessive menstrual bleeding. Cut 2 leaves and boil in 2 liters of water, cool and drink 1 cup daily for 3 days. This is said to slow the menstrual bleeding. Local name "Amya" means menstruation.
Semantic domains:
intesyaniau
n. grass to 3 m, flowers brown. Growing in degraded secondary forest along trail. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4969)
Scientific name: Miscanthus sinensis
Example: The stem of this plant is used to make walls of houses. Collect the stem and remove the leaves, and then take one of the bush vines (any of them) and tie the stems into bundles for making house walls or fences for chicken pens. Children make a whistle from a hollow piece of stem from this plant.
Semantic domains:
netcetec
n. trees, 3-4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3473)
Scientific name: Alstonia vitiensis
Example: 1. This species is excellent for firewood as it gives off less smoke than other types of wood. 2. The wood is good for making roof rafters on which to tie thatch. 3. Use this for planting pole, for taro, cane, and kava.
Semantic domains:
nared
n. vine to 3 m, sori brown. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4930)
Scientific name: Lygodium reticulatum
Example: Take a handful of the vine, twist it into rope with many stems of the vine, and use it to tie bundles of sugar cane. It can also be used to tie wild canes (Miscanthus) to the roof of the house. Take a handful of the vine, twist it into rope with many stems of the vine, and use it to tie bundles of sugar cane. It can also be used to tie wild canes (Miscanthus) to the roof of the house.
Semantic domains:
nipʧin njelas
[ nipʧin ɲelas ]
n. crab
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
Semantic domains:
nese u inman
n. treelet, 1 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3468)
Scientific name: Micromelum minutum
Semantic domains:
nanad itohou
n. shrub, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3456)
Scientific name: Scaevola cylindrica
Example: 1. The leaves of this plant are used as a fertilizer when a person plants taro "to help to feed the ground for next year." 2. Sapwood of this tree, and one more [GMP 3591], in old days take from west side and cross mountain to the east, and on red clay mountain, burn it to make spirits to give more sun instead of rain so that gardens will grow well.
Semantic domains:
napjau
n. grass. Found along intra village path. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #35)
Scientific name: Digitaria sp.
Example: 1. Bath for babies to make them healthy and walk faster, mix with plants WAKAS (AAB 34), NITIDEI (GMP 3658 or 4043), and a grass NATUTAHUT (MJB 4945). Put all in a kettle filled of water and wash them with it – use 1 handful of each leaf.
Semantic domains:
inceihuri
n. large tree, 15 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4073)
Scientific name: Dysoxylum aneityense
Example: 1. Flying foxes are known to eat the fruit. Accordingly, when hunters desire the flying fox, they gather near this species.
Semantic domains:
inhupau
n. type of seashell
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
Semantic domains:
intesjao
n. tongs for removing food from fire
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
nautahos
n. herb, 1. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3280)
Scientific name: Isachne comata
Example: A "message plant". In ancient times, this plant was used for communicating. If you go to a person who composes songs and give this to them, they will know to compose a song for you. Name means "flowers on the ground".
Semantic domains:
norasjei
n. shrub, 1 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3274)
Scientific name: Cyrtandra obovata
Semantic domains:
incacas
n. herb to 0. 75 m tall, flowers white (collection: Michael J. Balick #4953)
Scientific name: Capsicum annuum
Example: The young leaves are edible; these should be collected, boiled for ca. 8 minutes and eaten with other foods such as cassava. This is one of the local leaves that is said to taste quite good when cooked and mixed with other foods. Both the ripe (red) and unripe (green) fruits are added to soup and other foods as a spice or eaten fresh. The fruit of this cultivar is very hot. The fruit is also fed to chickens who seem to love to eat it.
Semantic domains:
napojev
n. tree to 5 m, dbh 10 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4889)
Scientific name: Polyscias cissodendron
Example: The leaves are used to cover meat when baking it in a stone oven (inmawum). This will soften the meat and keep it moist. Used when other species of this genus are not available, for example if you are in the bush.
Semantic domains:
inhoc
namaunirij
n. herb to 30 cm, fruits green. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4934)
Scientific name: Physalis angulata
Example: Take the leaves, squeeze out the juice in a cup of water, drink 3x daily for 3 days to treat dengue fever--use one handful of leaves in a cup of water and drink cool. The fruits are edible. Peel the outer part off and eat like a tomato.
Semantic domains:
niʧep
[ niʧep ]
n. mat for sitting
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
noporo pora
n. small basket
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
nawitoga
[ nawitõŋa ]
n. machete
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
incejev ataheñ
n. stunted tree, 1-2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3276)
Scientific name: Turrillia lutea
Example: This is known as "woman’s kauri". The timber from this tree is used for houseposts.
Semantic domains:
ink
n. vine, growing in coastal forest. Fruits purple. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3556)
Scientific name: Passiflora suberosa
Example: A man named Johnnie (Reuben’s grandfather) brought this vine to Aneityum to use it as a rope to tie objects. The ripe fruits are used to paint the face and hands and children make drawings from this dye.
Semantic domains:
inm̃ap̃
n. tree, 12-14 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3611)
Scientific name: Inocarpus fagifer
Example: 1. The nut of this tree is edible and very good. Boil it with skin on or bake it in the earth oven and then cut it in half and eat. 2. Leaves for top of house ridge. 3. Leaves for fertilizing the water taro in swamps.
Semantic domains:
iñytuplec
n. tree to 10 m tall, dbh 50 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4908)
Scientific name: Burckella
Example: Wood used for timber.
Semantic domains:
nuhujcei
n. liana, climbing on Garcinia tree (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3585)
Scientific name: Durandea pentagyna
Example: 1. When the stems of this plant are older, and it is a vine, is used to tie thatch on roof rafters as it bends well. 2. Burned leaves and rubbed on fishing line and spear to increase catch – used with other unspecified leaves, that are forageable. When you are fishing and if you set a basket or mat it means danger and you have to return to shore – the spirit is telling you that it is enough fishing.
Semantic domains:
nilpodou
n. herb, growing at edge of garden area. Flowers yellow. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3599)
Scientific name: Bidens pilosa
Example: This is for a medicinal tea to give energy to a person who is not feeling well. Collect a handful of young stem apices and boil in 2-3 cups of water. Drink warm to help the body be strong and healthy. It is also good to treat diarrhea. When a person feels well again, stop this treatment but they can also drink this 1x daily, once before breakfast or before lunch, as a healthful tea.
Semantic domains:
inewosneiak
n. herb to 1 m, flower bracts yellow. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4921)
Scientific name: Alpinia purpurata
Example: Introduced species, used for decoration. Planted near houses and roads. Use the flower for decorating hair.
Semantic domains:
nerinabod
n. Brassy chub, lowfin drummer
Scientific name: Kyphosus vaigiensis via FishBase
Example: Photo by Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
nejev
n. canoe rudder
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
Semantic domains:
numuyehec
n. tree, 8 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3624)
Scientific name: Syzygium myriadenum
Example: Use the wood of this plant for roof rafters.
Semantic domains:
inhosumeljag ~ nu inhosumeljag
inlopot jap
n. shrub to 1 m, flower white (collection: Michael J. Balick #4866)
Scientific name: Codiaeum variegatum
Example: When making a taro patch, and removing soil, add the leaves of this plant to the soil to fertilize the taro, and prevent the bottom part of the taro from rotting. Put a layer of leaves on the bottom of the patch before planting taro and covering with soil.
Semantic domains:
fetofeto
n. tree, 7 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3723)
Scientific name: Barringtonia edulis
Example: The fruits of this species are cracked open and the seeds eaten. The leaves are mixed with other leaves to make an unspecified traditional medicine. The plant is also used for firewood.
Semantic domains:
nanad
n. shrub, 1 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3553)
Scientific name: Scaevola taccada
Example: 1. A stimulant plant. If a person is going to their garden early in the morning before the sun come up, break 2 top young leaves and chew and swallow the liquid, spitting out the fiber. This makes the person able to work harder and not feel tired while in the fields. It was noted that "a person can do the work of many people if they chew this." 2. The leaves are used for fertilizer for taro--put a bunch of leaves in a hole were taro is to be planted as a compost/antibiotic. This practice is said to kill all of the bad organisms such as bacttively impact the health of the taro plant. 3. This one collected from coastal area, ?? one collected in forest area. People take 4 leaves, chew leaves, swallow juice, gives energy to work hard the entire day. For fishing, take lots of ripe fruits and put in pocket, you will be able to catch a lot of fish. It brings good fortune when fishing. Roots – take one root, wash where a woman is giving birth to a newborn baby, give a drop of the juice from the root to clear the mucus in the throat.
Semantic domains:
inteses
n. parasite on branches of Geissois denhamii tree, growing in dense rainforest. Flowers orange-red. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4028)
Scientific name: Amyema aneityensis
Example: 1. This plant is known to kill other trees and is regarded as a parasite. 2. The plant is related to kastom use regarding the separation of two lovers--more information witheld.
Semantic domains:
katamal
inlopotjap
n. shrub to 1 m, fruits green. Secondary forest. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4897)
Scientific name: Codiaeum variegatum
Example: The leaves are used for compost in the taro patch. Dig a hole, line it with the leaves of this species, cove with earth and plant taro. The leaves of this species are used to cover earth ovens.
Semantic domains:
necñanman
n. understory tree, 2-3 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4050)
Scientific name: Schefflera neoebudica
Semantic domains:
inwae
n. tree, 3-4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3563)
Scientific name: Ximenia americana
Example: Children like to eat the fruit of this plant. It is said to taste like pineapple/mango. It must be very ripe to be eaten. Peel and discard the skin. The fruit is most sweet when it is on the ground for a few days. Some children eat the seeds of this fruit but it has a strong oily taste--too many cause vomiting and if a person eats 1-2 seeds it can cause diarrhea.
Semantic domains:
nihivaeñ aeyec
n. tree, 3 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3213)
Scientific name: Macaranga dioica
Example: 1. When a person has a headache from being out in the sun too long, scrape the outer bark off of the stem of this tree, take scrapings of the inner bark, wrap with a leaf of breadfruit and put in a fire for 15-20 minutes. Not a hot fire, but only in the flame. Squeeze the water out of the bark when it is warm and rub all over the forehead and face to help the headache go away. 2. Use the stems of this tree as a stick to carry taro from the field, as the stick is strong but not too heavy. The taro is tied to each end to balance on a person’s shoulders. 3. Leaf used for wrapping local medicines. This is the best leaf and put it on the charcoal to heat it. 4. Good firewood.
Semantic domains:
incispev
n. tree. Growing in village garden. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #19)
Scientific name: Sophora tomentosa
Example: 1. To cure the sea snake (nispev) curse that causes missed periods. First the husband must combine 4 young leaves of incispev and 4 young leaves of nafanu and mash and squeeze the juice into a small bamboo (1-1.5 inch diameter) The nafanu is important because it is a plant that connects to the sea. Use wildcane leaves cover the bamboo closed. Go to the sick person and unwrap the snake from her. Start from the top and let the woman drink a small part of the potion then wash her with the mixture, making sure to wash head, elbows, knees, feet, and belly. Then take a leaf of naha and break it over the woman’s belly button to break the snake off. Smash the bamboo vessel to pieces. Leave the woman there until the wash dries on her. This takes one whole day and the ceremony in the evening so she can sleep and she must not eat. This ritual is performed by men.
Semantic domains:
incepñekrei
n. broken tree, 6 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3462)
Scientific name: Dysoxylum bijugum
Example: 1. The wood of this species is strong and used as house posts. 2. Spear as other – fishing.
Semantic domains:
nowo
n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4749)
Scientific name: Dysoxylum bijugum
Semantic domains:
naupiñiña
n. terrestrial fern, growing in secondary forest along the river. Leaves c. 2. 25 m long. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3656)
Scientific name: Pronephrium rubrinerve
Example: Put several leaves of this species together to wrap food, especially the fresh water eel, and to carry plants of taro, kava, holding the leaves over one’s shoulder to carry these crops.
Semantic domains:
nejev
n. Skipjack tuna
Scientific name: Katsuwonus pelamis via FishBase
Example: Photo by Krw130lm / Fishes of Australia, License: CC BY-A-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
namesei
n. terrestrial orchid, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4116)
Scientific name: Macodes sanderiana
Semantic domains:
nese
n. herb to 4 m tall, male flowers white (collection: Michael J. Balick #4977)
Scientific name: Carica papaya
Example: The fruits are edible and eaten when ripe. To soften beef or octopus, or other meat that is tough, chop green fruit and put in a bowl with meat/fish and then add some water. Allow to sit for 30 minutes or if the food needs to be softer, then leave it in longer. The leaves are used to feed lobsters that are being kept in cages underwater, following their harvest. The leaves are used to cover stones on the earth oven. To treat a person with Ciguatera illness, wash many very gren fruits of papaya, the smallest ones that form at the top, and eat these to help relieve symptoms.
Semantic domains:
niri atga
n. kind of seashell
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
Semantic domains:
naurakiti
n. herb. Swamp areas. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #8)
Scientific name: Ageratum conyzoides
Example: 1. Cervical pain and to return it to normal size - Get a handful of Naurakiti and boil it in a pot of water. This can also be done by rubbing the handful of leaves together and squeezing out the juice into the boiling water but the leaves do not go inside. Sit in this for 2 hours or until cold for 1 a day for a week. 2. Medicine: leaf juice put on fresh cut to stop bleeding. Stomachache, headache – use 1 handful of leaves, squeeze these, put in cup, put in some water and drink it 1x day. 3. Women menstruation that will not stop, take 1 handful of leaves into a cup of water and drink 1x day for 3 days. 4. If a person’s joints are sore, take a handful of leaves, crush them and rub on the sore joints. Some people don’t like to use it internally as it can make some people sick, especially small children, but others say it is OK to use.
Semantic domains:
inteses
n. parasite in tree, flowers orange with reddish base. Growing in secondary forest. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5000)
Scientific name: Amyema aneityensis
Example: This plant is said to have a type of magical use. Young men take one node of the stem of this plant and use it in an unspecified way to attract young women.
Semantic domains:
nirak
n. Wahoo
Scientific name: Acanthocybium solandri via FishBase
Example: Photo by ANFC, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
incet edwa
n. type of seashell
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
Semantic domains:
nida
n. shrub to 2 m ,fruits green (collection: Michael J. Balick #4884)
Scientific name: Decaspermum neoebudicum
Example: When the new leaves form on this plant, people say that it is time to plant taro. The wood of the larger tree is good for posts.
Semantic domains:
nuhujcei
n. liana, climbing on fallen tree (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3500)
Scientific name: Durandea pentagyna
Example: 1. When the stems of this plant are older, and it is a vine, is used to tie thatch on roof rafters as it bends well. 2. Burned leaves and rubbed on fishing line and spear to increase catch – used with other unspecified leaves, that are forageable. When you are fishing and if you set a basket or mat it means danger and you have to return to shore – the spirit is telling you that it is enough fishing.
Semantic domains:
inhitilga
n. liana climbing up a Syzygium tree into the canopy, growing at edge of dense forest near garden area. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3637)
Scientific name: Entada phaseoloides
Example: Rope is made from the inner bark of this plant. Use the rope immediately after it is stripped from the bark, there is no need to treat it with heat as is the case with other plants. Alternatively, the coil of bark rope can be kept in fresh water where it will stay soft until needed. Medicine for women when sick with a headache from the spirit sea snake, or sea god, or sea spirit that makes people sick. Men use it to help with toochaches. Women use it to help with backpain, stomache pain, or any other pain. Must pound two leaves taken from the top of the plant and combine with incespiv. Rosalina Nijae said it was mostly used by men so did not know how to use it well. Walking in bush and become thirsty, cut vine on 1 side and drink. Seeds made into foot bracelets for men for Kastom dances and make all sorts of different sounds. In some places taboo to cut large one as the large ones embody the snake spirit.
Semantic domains:
nijom̃kan
n. shrub, 1 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3491)
Scientific name: Phyllanthus myrianthus
Example: Name means smash tooth. 1. This is part of an unspecified mixture that can be used as a spell to give another person a toothache. 2. Toothache – chew leaves on the sore tooth and leave it there for a while and spit it out – it will break the tooth and you can take it out, leave on 20 minutes.
Semantic domains:
naupitcat
n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4773)
Scientific name: Phyllanthus myrianthus
Semantic domains:
nanad
n. shrub. Growing near the beach. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #4)
Scientific name: Scaevola taccada
Example: 1. Dried branches from this plant can be used to roast vegetable crops that women eat if they have problems becoming pregnant. 2. Firewood, burns well. 3. Some people will eat the green fruit for protection against black magic. Eat 5 fruits for this. Eat it only once – will last for a year.
Semantic domains:
nelkasau
n. shrub to 4 m, fruits green (collection: Michael J. Balick #4987)
Scientific name: Ricinus communis
Example: This leaf is used as the upper layer of leaves on the earth oven. If the leaves of #4986 are in short supply, people cover the first layer of stones in the earth oven with these. The stems of this plant are used as tinder to light fires. The seeds are poisonous.
Semantic domains:
nalau
n. feathers
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
necsap
n. shrub to 2 m, flowers white. Red clay soil (collection: Michael J. Balick #4887)
Scientific name: Halfordia kendack
Example: The stem makes a good digging stick to plant taro. Also branches of this tree are cut to tie the canoe to the outrigger. Used for the small sticks that sit at the base of the larger sticks that hold the outrigger (see photos).
Semantic domains:
inmowad o picad
n. large leaf
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
intate a nelgo waj
n. seat on canoe
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
Semantic domains:
nahed u paralelcei
n. epiphyte on main trunk of large mango tree, growing in secondary forest above river. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3657)
Scientific name: Ophioderma pendula
Semantic domains:
naerumãn
n. shrub, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3576)
Scientific name: Leucaena forsteri
Example: This plant is used to make a temporary house along the coast. It is considered "namba one" for shade. It is also an unspecified "message plant.
Semantic domains:
incauwunja
n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4794)
Scientific name: Rivina humilis
Semantic domains:
nilpudou
n. herb to 50 cm, flowers yellow. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4944)
Scientific name: Bidens pilosa
Example: As a tonic medicine, collect a full handful of leaves, boil in one liter of water until fully cooked, then drink 1 cup 3x daily, warm, to treat a person who has worked too much, who is tired, to help their stomach and to help make them strong. For children and adults. Child’s dose is 1/2 cup, 3x daily until the child feels stronger.
Semantic domains:
naheñ
n. tree, 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4066)
Scientific name: Pavetta opulina
Example: 1. Young saplings are used to prepare a fishing spear. First a straight sapling is chosen and sized. Then it is heated over a fire to render it pliable. After the length is straightened, it is decorticated. Once cooled, a portion of wire can be affixed to an end to aid in spearing fish.
Semantic domains:
inhau cap̃
n. low tree. Found along the coast. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #11)
Scientific name: Hibiscus tiliaceus
Example: 1. To speed up delivery and reduce painin labor - Take a piece of stem from a small branch and take the skin and outter bark off. Grate out the inner part with water and squeeze out juice into a cup for the woman to drink. 2. To help with pain/difficulty giving birth - Take even numbers of inhoa top leaves (Must have a partner so the lone top is not vulnerable to bad spirits - in all Rosita’s medicines, she always uses partners like this). Using 2, 4, or 6, of these leaves chew them and swallow the whole thing. This is slippery. Take at the first pain.
Semantic domains:
nomoi
n. shrub to tree, 2. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3583)
Scientific name: Xylosma guillauminii
Semantic domains:
nijma
n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4775)
Scientific name: Commersonia bartramia
Semantic domains:
nelas
kidibop
nerere
n. tree to 10 m, dbh 75 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4988)
Scientific name: Ficus kajewskii
Example: The young aerial roots are cut from the stems of the tree and used as a local rope, to tie things, help construct temporary shelters, as well as to make string for a hunting bow. Flying foxes like to eat this fruit so in the night when the fruit is mature hunters come by this tree to hunt flying foxes as well as hunting birds during the day. Hunters use bows and arrows for birds, and throwing sticks (natou) made from any plant to hunt flying foxes.
Semantic domains:
nikam
n. large tree, 18 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4076)
Scientific name: Finschia chloroxantha
Example: 1. The name means "I come". This plant is used to convey messages. When a branch of this plant is left at the house of a person it indicates someone had visited them and they were not there. 2. Children eat the nut of the ripe (yellow) fruits.
Semantic domains:
All content copyright © Aneityum community. (2015)
Talking Dictionary produced by K. David Harrison, Gregory D. S. Anderson and Jeremy Fahringer. Botanical consultants: Michael J. Balick, Gregory M. Plunkett and Sean Thackurdeen. (2015-2018)
Aneityum language contributors include Kirk Keitadi, Tony Keith, Titiya Lalep, David Nasauman, Osiani Nerian, Ruben Nerian, Chris Nevehev, Romario Yaufati and others as credited within the dictionary entries. Based in part on materials from Inglis, John (1882) A Dictionary of the Aneityumese Language: In Two Parts. I. Aneityumese and English. II. English.
The Aneityum-English Talking Dictionary was made possible by award no. 1555675 from National Science Foundation for “Collaborative Research: Plant, Fungal and Linguistic Diversity of Tafea Province, Vanuatu.” This support is gratefully acknowledged.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
All rights reserved. Do not distribute or reproduce without permission.
how to cite:
K. David Harrison. 2015.
Aneityum Talking Dictionary.
Swarthmore College.
http://www.talkingdictionary.org/aneityum
There are currently 2431 entries, 1543 audio files, and 860 images.
All content copyright © Aneityum community. (2015)
Talking Dictionary produced by K. David Harrison, Gregory D. S. Anderson and Jeremy Fahringer. Botanical consultants: Michael J. Balick, Gregory M. Plunkett and Sean Thackurdeen. (2015-2018)
Aneityum language contributors include Kirk Keitadi, Tony Keith, Titiya Lalep, David Nasauman, Osiani Nerian, Ruben Nerian, Chris Nevehev, Romario Yaufati and others as credited within the dictionary entries. Based in part on materials from Inglis, John (1882) A Dictionary of the Aneityumese Language: In Two Parts. I. Aneityumese and English. II. English.
The Aneityum-English Talking Dictionary was made possible by award no. 1555675 from National Science Foundation for “Collaborative Research: Plant, Fungal and Linguistic Diversity of Tafea Province, Vanuatu.” This support is gratefully acknowledged.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
All rights reserved. Do not distribute or reproduce without permission.
how to cite:
K. David Harrison. 2015.
Aneityum Talking Dictionary.
Swarthmore College.
http://www.talkingdictionary.org/aneityum
Interface and database design under the direction of Jeremy Fahringer and Swarthmore College ITS.
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