[Mihalic] some (mainly food-related) terminology

C A Volker volker at nalik.org
Mon Apr 4 17:36:54 EST 2005


I've been working with food terminology in Nalik using the pictures in Kaikai
Aniani by R.J. May  (Robert Brown, Bathurst 1984). I've  noticed that these Tok
Pisin names from that book are not on the Mihalic list yet:

Asbin
winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus

karakap
According to May, the scientific name given on the mihalic list (Solanum nigrum)
is now regarded as incorrect, as it is recognised as a different species,
Solanum nodifloram.

Kirsen
May lists this for the tropical “cherry” (Jamaica cherry). Is this
word still used? I know the fruit, but haven’t heard anybody actually
call it by this German-derived word.

Kombi
Wild fig (Ficus spp.)

Makau
Tilapia fish

Maleo
Eel

mosang
wild fig (ficus spp.)
kumu mosang
wild fig leaves

ponpon
Alizia sp. A tree with edible leaves
May spells this as pounpoun; I've never heard of it. Has anybody else?

Pislama
Sea slug, trepang

Pota
Garcinia fruit (Garcinia spp.)
May describes this fruit as similar to a mangosteen

Salamon
May lists this as a large bush tree with a fruit that has edible seeds. However,
I've only known of this word as a rattle. I thought it meant any kind of
traditional rattle, but perhaps it is only a rattle made from the seeds of this
tree?

Etymology:
Talis
The source for this is listed as Kuanua. The word is the same in Nalik (New
Ireland) and probably other New Ireland languages.


Also, under kambang, I’d add ston kambang for coral. I know this is the
word used in New Ireland; is it the same word elsewhere as well?

Craig Volker



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