Cogent Arts & Humanities (Dec 2024)
Ethnomedicine of the Sarolangun Malay community: an ecolinguistic study on medicinal plant and healing incantations
Abstract
AbstractDeforestation, advancements in healthcare technology and the diminished concern of younger generations in preserving ecological wisdom, particularly ethnomedical practices, raise concerns about the potential extinction of such practices within the Sarolangun Malay community (henceforth abbreviated as SM). Against this backdrop, this ecolinguistic article explores and documents medicinal plant terminologies and their representation in incantations employed by traditional healers in their ethnomedical practices. Data were derived from ethnographic interviews employing rapport techniques with shamans. The study reveals that out of 63 medicinal plants used, they fall into seven terminological categories: color, shape, location, taste, aroma, function and gender. Meanwhile, the incantations used in healing processes are categorized into two: general and specific. These incantations encapsulate biological (flora and fauna), cultural (religion and agriculture) and social dimensions (relations with fellow humans and nature). This study concludes that the SM community perceives healing from ailments as an interplay of multiple inseparable elements: nature, supernatural forces and religion. This research plays a vital role in fostering and cultivating positive attitudes among various parties (including the government, capitalists and local communities) toward nature, a crucial source of raw materials. Furthermore, the research also contributes significantly to deepening the understanding of the relationship between local wisdom, language in oral literature and medicinal plants, all working together to heal various diseases. Serving as a pilot study for ecolinguistics in the SM context, this research offers preliminary insights for future scholars to discuss the diverse lexicon within incantations in comparison to other types.
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