The Aneityum Talking Dictionary currently has 2431 entries, with 1543 audio files and 860 images.
This image gallery has returned 860 entries.
nuhonwei
inmehei
n. herb to 1. 5 m tall, sterile. Growing in weedy patch behind buildings on edge of trail. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4986)
Scientific name: Heliconia indica
Example: People use the leaves of this plant to wrap lap-lap for cooking on the earth oven or when boiling foods. The leaves can also be used as serving plates and to cover the stones on the earth oven.
Semantic domains:
nahojcei
n. scrambling vine, growing in coastal strand vegetation. Flowers purple. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3436)
Scientific name: Canavalia rosea
Semantic domains:
nelka
n. terrestrial, rare (collection: Tom A. Ranker #2486)
Scientific name: Histiopteris incisa
Semantic domains:
necsap̃
n. shrub, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3534)
Scientific name: Halfordia kendack
Example: This tree has very hard wood. 1. Use the small stems to plant dry land or swamp taro, sharpening the end and pushing it into the ground to make a hole. 2. It also is useful for fence, posts for houses. 3. Small stems are also used to make a comb for the hair. 4. Plant pole for taro kava. 5. A branch is shaped and used to husk coconut. 6. The wood is hard and in ancient times people would take a forked piece and put string on one side of it, sharpen the other side and use with the string as a fish hook – need to keep rope tight until it is in the canoe. Do not give it slack – strong use AAM 17.
Semantic domains:
nihivaeñ p̃ap̃
n. tree, 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3517)
Scientific name: Macaranga tanarius
Example: 1. The leaves of the young plant are used to wrap food for cooking on a fire. 2. The wood is used for temporary houses, for making rafters that are said to last a long time. 3. The wood is strong and used to carve paddles for the canoe. 4. It is also grown and used for firewood. 5. Firewood, (6) use as local plate. 7. On west side of island, take old coconut, fill with water, put lead into hole on end, take out and give to baby to drink and it will help the baby talk.
Semantic domains:
inyat lelcei
n. tree, 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4032)
Scientific name: Endiandra aneityensis
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:
necna
n. Fringelip mullet
Scientific name: Crenimugil crenilabis via FishBase
Example: Photo by Jeffrey T. Williams / Smithsonian Institution, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
necñopod apeñ
n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4791)
Scientific name: Acalypha wilkesiana
Semantic domains:
niducei
n. tree to 4 m, dbh 6 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4992)
Scientific name: Ficus storckii (or wassa)
Example: The stems of this plant are good for making temporary houses in the bush. When used as firewood, the stems are said to "hold the fire," meaning they burn a long time, even all night so in the morning the fire can be restarted by adding kindling. This wood is said to be good when a person has no matches, as the fire can be restarted easily. Young leaves of this species can be wrapped around ground coconut and eaten raw. The young leaves can also be boiled in water for 15 minutes, coconut milk added, and eaten with tubers such as cassava. The young leaves can be wrapped around beef or pork, tied with a string from Pandanus and cooked in the earth oven.
Semantic domains:
niʧep
[ niʧep ]
n. mat for sitting
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
inruwu
n. Humphead wrasse
Scientific name: Cheilinus undulatus via FishBase
Example: Photo by Anne Hoggett / Lizard Island Research Station, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
inyecelcoli
n. vine to 1 m, flowers purple. (kudzu plant). (collection: Michael J. Balick #4920)
Scientific name: Pueraria lobata
Example: Roast the tuber of this vine on an open fire for 20-40 minutes, peel off the skin and eat like cassava or taro. Chew it and drink the "juice" while spitting out the fiber. It grows wild, season of harvesting is in May. Very tasty food for people, considered "numba wan" food for this island.
Semantic domains:
intit plen
n. herb, growing on roadside in open disturbed area. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3605)
Scientific name: Crassocephalum crepidioides
Example: 1a. This is an invasive weed that was brought to Aneityum by aircraft. Name means "aircraft mess". 1b. Means “planes waste” refers to white trails as this has lots of white seeds that fly.
Semantic domains:
nosjacai
n. Two-striped sweetlips, giant sweetlips
Scientific name: Plectorhinchus albovittatus via FishBase
Example: Photo by Ross D. Robertson / Shorefishes of the Neotropics, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
nekrei
n. Sailfin tang
Scientific name: Zebrasoma velifer
Example: Photo by Mark Rosenstein / iNaturalist.org, License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
nekia
n. terrestrial, occasional (collection: Tom A. Ranker #2487)
Scientific name: Ptisana smithii
Semantic domains:
neyaiñ
n. coconuts used for sea fermentation
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
Semantic domains:
niditau
n. shrub to small tree, growing in clumps among rocks in open area along river. Fruits green. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4064)
Scientific name: Ficus adenosperma
Example: 1. This plant is an indication of good soil. 2. Dry wood is used as a firewood.
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:
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:
incetevak
n. Sabre squirrelfish
Scientific name: Sargocentron spiniferum via FishBase
Example: Photo by Andy A. Lewis / Lizard Island Research Station, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
naparap
n. epiphytic fern on main tree trunk, growing in dry forest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3504)
Scientific name: Pyrrosia confluens
Example: This is a medicine to treat fresh cuts. Take the leaf of this species, macerate it and add 1 tablespoon of water and wrap in a Macaranga leaf, and then heat it on a fire. After heating, puncture the side of the Macaranga leaf and drop the hot juice on the fresh cut. This is said to be good before going to see the Dispensary or if you do not have access to a health care professional.
Semantic domains:
nop̃ou
n. large epiphyte on dead tree, growing in open forest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3478)
Scientific name: Fagraea berteroana
Example: The wood of this plant is very hard and can be used for house posts. Because the wood is somewhat heavy, younger stems can be sharpened at one end and the pole can be used to plant dryland taro, to make holes for the tubers. For planting swamp taro, the leaves can be used to line the pit that the taro is planted in; it is a local fertilizer for the taro, and as it rots the soil becomes soft while the taro is growing. The flowers are placed behind one’s ear to enjoy the fragrance or can also be used to make a floral necklace (Intañ).
Semantic domains:
nu
n. kind of edible root
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
incoujahao
n. shrub, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3548)
Scientific name: Vitex trifolia
Example: The forked stick of this plant is used as a pole to hold the outrigger on a canoe. Children blow the small fruits of this plant through the hollow petioles of the papaya leaf or a hollowed bamboo stem as a game. As an aphrodisiac, two handfuls of the leaves of this species are boiled in fresh water and men drink these for 7 days. The next week they will be "strong." People cannot have sex while they are drinking this remedy, but then the next week when they have finished the treatment, they will be "very strong."
Semantic domains:
inrejei
n. trees, 3-4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4133)
Scientific name: Caryota ophiopellis
Semantic domains:
incei franse
n. shrub, 0. 7 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3445)
Scientific name: Lantana camara
Example: Remedy new cuts – rub leaves together or chew them and put on cut, cover with leaf or cloth.
Semantic domains:
nednañlelcei
n. tree, 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3271)
Scientific name: Melicope triphylla
Example: Used as a leaf compost for planting taro, layered on the bottom of the hole and covering the taro as well.
Semantic domains:
nadeij
n. herb to 1. 5 m tall, flowers yellow (collection: Michael J. Balick #4894)
Scientific name: Coix lacryma-jobi
Example: When seeds are grey-white, they are ripe. Pick these and make decorations out of them such as necklaces. Women make these necklaces.
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:
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:
nairek
n. shrub to 2 m, dbh 5 com (collection: Michael J. Balick #4875)
Scientific name: Leucopogon cymbulae
Example: To make a local broom, gather a group of branches of this plant, tie together, burn off the leaves when they are dry and then use to sweep (photo with Wopa).
Semantic domains:
tabake
n. herb 1 m tall, flowers pink (collection: Michael J. Balick #4923)
Scientific name: Nicotiana tabacum
Example: Collect the yellow leaves, the mature ones, roll it between one’s hands, squeezing it, and dry it in the sun for a day and hang it in the kitchen near the place where fires are made, and within a week it will turn black. It is ready to be smoked--roll paper around it and smoke it. Take 6-10 leaves, roll them up and squeeze them into a bucket of water mixing the juice with the water until it turns somewhat green. Use this water to wash crops such as legumes and other garden plants to kill insects that might be attacking them.
Semantic domains:
nilec
n. liana climbing on calophyllum trunk, growing along sandy beach. Leaves variegated. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4144)
Scientific name: Epipremnum
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:
intakedou
n. Redface Squirrrelfish
Scientific name: Sargocentron violaceum via FishBase
Example: Photo by Jeffrey T. Williams / Smithsonian Institution, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
nipʧin njelas
[ nipʧin ɲelas ]
n. crab
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
Semantic domains:
intop̃ hau
n. well branched tree, 6 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3202)
Scientific name: Hibiscus tiliaceus
Example: 1. Young shoots are peeled and made into grass skirts. Scrape the stem and take the green part off, tie strips together and put under stones in the sea for retting, let sit 5 days in sea, but check these on a daily basis. When the fiber becomes soft, that is the time to take it from under the stones, clean off the excess materials, and hang it in the sun to dry for 3 days--this will bleach it and give it a whitish color, at which point it can be woven into a skirt. 2. The fiber can be used to make a small rope that is tied with shells and used for custom dances. 3. When the stems of this tree are older, the wood is very hard and it can be used to make the main frame that is arched for a cyclone house. According to Reuben these houses are not made much anymore on Aneityum Island. 4. To cook the intestines of fish that are eaten, take several leaves and put them in a small pile, making a wrapping, then use a local fiber to tie this together and cook on charcoal for as long as needed to prepare the fish parts. 5. In this area, sometimes knowledge of the plants and flowering are used as a calendar to indicate the time for planting of specific crops. Reuben will provide more details on a future trip. 6a. This species is an important "message plant." If a person is not home and you are visiting from the East--e.g. an Eastern part of the Island--that person can leave a 12 inch piece of stick in front of the door of the house so that the inhabitant knows that an eastern visitor (from Anawonjei district) has come by your home. The reason that person has come to visit is to pass an important message to you--good or bad "luck". The bad luck message might be a death, and is not told directly to the person. The good luck message might be a birth, or conflict that has been resolved. These messages are communicated using sticks--each district has a different species of plant. Reuben’s is the hibiscus. 6b. Message plant for Eastern people. If someone dies, use this plant, clip it in front of hem, in front of home, they ask “who” and you can tell them. In Eastern culture you cannot tell them directly. 7. When a person is too drunk with kava, take a branch of this and brush him with it to help make the effects go away. 8. Traditional plates for food.
Semantic domains:
najgou
n. Orange-spotted emperor, yellowtail emperor
Scientific name: Lethrinus erythracanthus via FishBase
Example: Photo by FAO / Fishbase, License: CC BY-NC 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
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:
nedouyatmas
n. sparsely branched understory tree, 4-5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4030)
Scientific name: Delarbrea paradoxa
Example: 1. It is considered "tabu" to cover laplap with the leaf of this species. It is said to spoil the laplap.
Semantic domains:
nahoj
n. well branched tree, 10 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4083)
Scientific name: Garcinia pseudoguttifera
Example: 1. The ripe fruits (yellow) are eaten. It is considered very sweet. 2. Young saplings are used to fashion a digging stick to plant kava and taro.
Semantic domains:
nisasi
n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4760)
Scientific name: Polyalthia nitidissima
Semantic domains:
nap̃ojev
n. well branched tree, 14 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3651)
Scientific name: Polyscias cissodendron
Example: Poles made from this plant are used for house rafters and burned for firewood. To plant taro in a swampy area, collect the leaves of this species and put them in the hole where the taro is to be planted, mix with a bit of soil and then plant the taro on top of that. Leaves are a type of fertilizer. Used when baking with the earth oven. Hot stones cover the food and then the leaves from this plant cover the stones. The leaves stay on the branch.
Semantic domains:
nefesgamtan
n. Humpnose big-eye bream
Scientific name: Monotaxis grandoculis via FishBase
Example: Photo by Mark Rosenstein / iNaturalist.org, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
ingitjiñat
n. small tree, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3528)
Scientific name: Santalum austrocaledonicum
Example: 1. This plant is used as firewood, but also the heartwood is sold. 2. In 2016, the first grade wood was 2500 VT per kilo, the second grade wood was 2000 VT per kilo. 3. The ancestors used to take the oil or wood chips from this tree and bathe with it to keep away evil spirits of the forest. It is currently planted on Aneityum for commerce. Scrape bark of sandalwood into coconut oil in same wat as GMP 3513 (gardenia) boil and take out the bark. 4. The leaves can be fed to pigs to make them strong and heavy.
Semantic domains:
inyiriñwei
n. herb, growing along the river at the edge of secondary forest. Stems pale green. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3642)
Scientific name: Equisetum debile
Example: As a local toothbrush, take two pieces of stems, bend them and use to brush teeth with water. This plant acts like sandpaper to clean the teeth. Can also be used to brush pots.
Semantic domains:
intekes ~ inrowod
n. treelet, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4085)
Scientific name: Cordyline fruticosa
Example: 1. The green leaves of this plant are used to cover fish, when cooking them in a fire.
Semantic domains:
inm̃okom
n. Steephead parrotfish
Scientific name: Chlorurus microrhinos
Example: Photo by charlie20 / iNaturalist.org, License: CC BY-NC 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
nowahau
n. Black-spot surgeonfish
Scientific name: Acanthurus bariene
Example: Photo by zsispeo / Flickr.com, License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
nomropom
n. shrub to 2 m, flowers white (collection: Michael J. Balick #4874)
Scientific name: Weinmannia denhamii
Example: This plant is an indicator of rich soil, especially up on the hills from the coast. Therefore, this is where people choose to do their gardens. This specimen is in red soil that is not rich so it does not grow tall, but in the mountains it does grow tall and that is where gardens are planted. Wood from the tree is used for carving.
Semantic domains:
nasjiramnem
n. grass to 20-30 cm tall, florets brown. Growing along trail. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4970)
Scientific name: Paspalum conjugatum
Example: This plant is used to make a medicine to stop bleeding, as a styptic. Squeeze a handful of leaves together and apply the leaves as a poultice to the wound or drip the juice on the wound when it does not seem wise to put pressure on the bleeding. This will stop the blood from flowing from the wound and is only to be used on a small wound.
Semantic domains:
nemtanla
n. herb to 1 m, flowers yellow. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4892)
Scientific name: Sida cordifolia
Example: If a person is coming to a "new" village, e.g. not their own, and they have a branch in their hand, it means that they are coming in peace and not trying to harm anyone else in the new village. Or if they are asking for something that might be found in the new village, they hold the branch of this species and pass it to a person from that village so they will accept you.
Semantic domains:
niditau
n. tree, 3 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3507)
Scientific name: Ficus adenosperma
Example: The young leaves and fruits are edible; the fruits are eaten ripe. This species is used for firewood as well as house posts, but they don’t last as long as other types of wood so they are used in temporary structures. A sacred plant on Aneityum. Name means linkage between this world and the spirit world. Agriculture – you find this tree ?? it means that the land is fertile. Birds eat fruits; people burn the tree to release ash and fertilizer and grow their taro around it – it will give more food. Message plant – if someone puts a long brown on your door or in your garden, it means “why are you here?” Implies that you should go back to where you belong. You don’t belong in this place. For example instead of quarreling over land dispute, put the branch and it means that you should leave this place.
Semantic domains:
inlepei u inpoded ataheñ
n. epiphyte on dead log, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4105)
Scientific name: Phlegmariurus squarrosus
Example: 1. This plant is considered bad luck when hunting or fishing. When doing these activities, do not decorate your hair with them. 2. This plant is used to weave the sheath portion of "nambas". First the stems are retted, then the inner portion of the plant removed. Once removed, the sheath is woven with the blanched fiber. 3. This is considered the female version of this plant. See GMP #4104, Phlegmarius sp. for the male version.
Semantic domains:
nepekhau
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:
nam̃caca
n. vine climbing in understory, growing in rainforest along river. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4057)
Scientific name: Joinvillea plicata
Example: 1. This plant is named in relation to a winged fish. The leaves are rough and resemble the body the fish. 2. The leaves of this plant are used to wrap grated taro or manioc. After it is fastened with rope and boiled or baked.
Semantic domains:
nawalha itouga
n. sedge, 0. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3610)
Scientific name: Cyperus involucratus
Semantic domains:
inmac
n. large tree, 20 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3529)
Scientific name: Trichospermum inmac
Example: 1. The inner bark of this plant is used as a general rope; peel it and weave it into rope, and use it to tie beams in the house. 2. The wood is good to start fires by rubbing two pieces together.
Semantic domains:
nahojcei
n. low-growing, creeping vine growing in grassy area just inland from coastal strand. Flowers purple. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3224)
Scientific name: Canavalia rosea
Example: Long time ago used seeds to make necklaces, don’t last long.
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:
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:
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:
nanec
n. tree, 7 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3633)
Scientific name: Canthium odoratum
Example: To cook Alocasia (wild taro), use the dry wood of this plant as firewood. The leaves of this plant are also used to line the earth oven on top of the food and on bottom of the food to insulate it from the high heat of cooking.
Semantic domains:
nomoi
n. shrub to tree, 2. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3583)
Scientific name: Xylosma guillauminii
Semantic domains:
inta eled
n. rudder for back of canoe
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.
Semantic domains:
inharedej
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:
nuei
n. vine climbing into the canopy on Sarcomelicope, growing in primary rainforest. Fruits green. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3620)
Scientific name: Melodinus neoebudicus
Example: This plant is used for local rope. Coil it in a figure 8, heat on a fire, when it is soft, use it for tying poles on a house. It is very strong when cool and dry.
Semantic domains:
nijkowai
n. Spanish flag, stripey
Scientific name: Lutjanus carponotatus via FishBase
Example: Photo by Ian Shaw / iNaturalist.org, License: CC BY-NC 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
tatau
n. Great barracuda
Scientific name: Sphyraena barracuda via FishBase
Example: Photo by ANFC, License: CC BY-NC 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
nala
n. shrub, 1. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3217)
Scientific name: Dendrolobium umbellatum
Example: 1a. When traveling past a community you can place these leaves in a basket or walk with it in your hand. In this way people in the community know that you are traveling in peace and will cause no harm to people in that village. 1b. Message plant – if you go to visit someone and they are not there, you leave a branch of this on the door or somewhere they can see it and they know that some relatives have come and tried to visit them.
Semantic domains:
nirinat erefera ran
[ nirinɣat erefera ran ]
n. pandanus leaf rolled for the preparation of mats and baskets
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
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:
necjop̃dak
n. low-growing, creeping vine growing in grassy area just inland from coastal strand. Flowers yellow. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3223)
Scientific name: Vigna marina
Example: The leaves of this plant are used to treat stomach ache. Take a handful of leaves and mix with 1/2 liter of water, crush the leaves in the water and drink the entire amount when your stomach hurts. Alternatively, this can also be consumed 1x a week as a tonic drink for the stomach and system.
Semantic domains:
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:
nepjed
n. orange (fruit)
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
nepjenepjen
n. epiphytic vine climbing on trees, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4091)
Scientific name: Selliguea plantaginea
Example: 1. When a child is between 1 mos. and 1 yr. if the father persists too soon in resuming sexual relations with the mother, the child can become sick. In preparation for the sickness, green leaves are collected. When the sickness occurs, the leaves (now dry) are burned and the baby is washed with the charcoal. 2. After visitors leaves one’s house, one must not hurry to return to their gardens. One waits a few days, then swims with the rachis of this fern tied about their waist. If this practice is not followed, it is believed that the plants in one’s gardens will grow weak.
Semantic domains:
napapotan
n. epiphytic fern on tree, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4089)
Scientific name: Asplenium bipinnatifidum
Semantic domains:
naevas
n. sparsely to moderately branched tree, 6-8 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3220)
Scientific name: Thespesia populnea
Example: 1. Wood is used for carving as it is a nice black wood. 2. Also used for house posts. 3. Use sapwood – cut a piece of wood, long one 1-2 m. Put it in front of the house or take a smaller piece on top of the entrance door – protects against bad spirits.
Semantic domains:
maprum
n. grass to 1 m, flowers purplish (collection: Michael J. Balick #4935)
Scientific name: Chrysopogon aciculatus
Example: This grass is planted to protect a person’s farm from being affected by evil spirits.
Semantic domains:
korari
n. herb growing to 2 m tall, flower white (collection: Michael J. Balick #4974)
Scientific name: Agave sisalana
Example: Put the leaf in seawater for two months, this will rett t he fibers. Then collect the fibrous strings and dry them in the sun, and use them for weaving. In the past this plant fiber was used to make rope but not at present.
Semantic domains:
nelnjen
[ nɛʝɲan ]
n. footprints (gen.)
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
intop̃ asiej
n. herb, 1 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3221)
Scientific name: Wollastonia biflora
Example: This plant is used as a wild cabbage. The leaves are used to cover fish when baking in an earth oven and then these leaves are eaten. This is another "calendar plant" of Aneityum. When this plant flowers it means that turtles are very fat, so it is the indication that it’s time to go fishing for turtles. Also a "message plant." If a person wishes to break an agreement then the person puts the top leaves of this plant on another individual’s doorstep to indicate that the agreement is broken.
Semantic domains:
neroa
n. tree, 6 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3513)
Scientific name: Gardenia tannaensis
Example: 1. The flower is used to make a necklace and the wood used as poles for a house roof. The flower is very fragrant and people put it behind their ear to enjoy the aroma. The leaf is used to bake taro in the earth oven. Use a fire to heat stones, then when the fire burns down and the stones are hot, pile these leaves on top of the hot stones and then place the food being cooked--taro, fish, pig, cassava, banana or other foods--on top of the leaves. Then pile more of these leaves on top of the food and then place additional hot stones on top of that pile of leaves. While the food is cooking--each type of food takes a different amount of time--the leaves give off a very nice smell and help flavor the food. 2. Firewood, flower smells good, put in coconut oil to give it aroma. Grate coconut, add small amount of water, put in bowl, heat until water is evaporated, the oil is on top, take all the coconut cream on bottom save oil in another pot. Drop 2-3 flowers into coconut oil and boil, or more flowers. Try not to burn the oil. Take out flowers and use pure oil. Also used for final covering of large earth oven during feast along with GMP 3503 – esp. wedding feast. Planting pole and hard and heavy wood – sharp end. 3. This is a "calendar plant." When it flowers, people know that the taro is ready to harvest.
Semantic domains:
niridunumu
n. terrestrial fern growing in rain forest on the mountain slope. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3284)
Scientific name: Schizaea dichotoma
Semantic domains:
intelecha
n. terrestrial orchid, growing in open area at edge of forest (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3480)
Scientific name: Spathoglottis petri
Example: This plant is a "message flower." If a person puts this flower behind their ear or in their hat, and looks at another person, it is an invitation to that person to go with you to the nakamal. Or a man invites a woman to go somewhere with him. Alternatively, you can leave the flower on a table and this is also a message to go with a person. Leaves also used to wrap foods. Decorate yard around the house.
Semantic domains:
nigirid
n. tree, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3479)
Scientific name: Cleidion javanicum
Example: The leaves of this plant are used in cooking, particuarly with the earth oven. Use a fire to heat stones, then when the fire burns down and the stones are hot, pile these leaves on top of the hot stones and then place the food being cooked--taro, fish, pig, cassava, banana or other foods--on top of the leaves. Then pile more of these leaves on top of the food and then place additional hot stones on top of that pile of leaves. While the food is cooking--each type of food takes a different amount of time--the leaves give off a very nice smell and help flavor the food. The young stems of this plant are used in home construction but as they are small and thin, they are not used for posts.
Semantic domains:
nuei
n. vine climbing up a dead tree, growing in dense rainforest. Fruits green. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4056)
Scientific name: Melodinus neoebudicus
Example: 1. The stems are used as a traditional rope to fasten house posts. First a length of stem is coiled in a figure-eight pattern. It is then heated to render it pliable. Once heated, for several minutes, it is immediately used to fasten the posts. When cool, it is set and inflexible. Such a fastener can last 20 years.
Semantic domains:
necna p̃a
n. Largescale mullet
Scientific name: Liza macrolepis via FishBase
Example: Photo by ANFC, License: CC BY-NC 3.0 via Fishes of Australia
Semantic domains:
injañad
n. tree to 5 m, dbh 8 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4933)
Scientific name: Symplocos aneityensis
Example: The wood is light and used to make paddles for canoes.
Semantic domains:
nalau inja
n. chicken feathers
Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.
nasjiñaho
n. shrub to 1 m, flowers greenish-white. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4932)
Scientific name: Breynia disticha
Example: The roots are used to treat toothache. Take the roots, strip off the outer bark and chew the root. Stops pain from the toothache. Use 3x daily until the pain is gone.
Semantic domains:
natutahut
n. grass to 10 cm, seeds brown. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4945)
Scientific name: Lepturus repens
Example: To make a baby strong, burn the leaves and rhizome, take the ashes and rub on the baby’s arms, knees, legs. Makes them strong, healthy and able to walk. Use after the child is given a bath. 1-4 years old, and it will help. Can use every day after bathing.
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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