The Burundians of yesteryear understood how to title any indigenous plant. By oral custom, this information was transmitted from technology to era. At present, the development is that these designations danger falling into oblivion. Which would be a decline for our mom tongue. What can be carried out to perpetuate this awareness?
« A wasp, a wasp, a wasp, an insect, an insect, the host, ikiboroza…” But, what are you speaking about listed here? you will question me. Very well, all those are Kirundi names for native vegetation. I took them from Lexicon of crops to know and follow the evolution of the forests of the Rwegura sector by François Muhashy Habiyaremye and Benoît Nzigidahera.
In this scientific ebook, my consideration was caught by the area of vernacular names which are mysterious to me. But further than the fascination for these denominations, I admire the time when Burundians mastered the names of all the crops all-around them.
Each and every plant has its personal title…
A person of the properties of ancestral Burundi was the plant civilization. Considering that the dawn of time, Mom Mother nature has presented Burundians with several means to meet up with their requirements. So, it was necessary to establish these methods, to differentiate them, … and to identify them.
The vernacular names of crops and animals illustrate that our ancestors had much more subtle information about the living globe close to them.
In Wild organic sources of Burundi: Condition of common expertiseNzigidahera Benoît presents some examples: Onions, Onions, Herbs, An adulterer, Amatwiyinya… (in edible crops). Slavery, Searching, Harassment,… (in edible mushrooms). Umuravama, Igikumu, Umugumu, Umuwoke, uduwedewe…(in medicinal vegetation). Human body, Bones, Bones, Bones, Top,… (in vegetation for craft use).
Very carefully selected names
These names are often descriptive, indicating the shape, colour, scent, flavor, use or origin of the crops. So for illustration, African hearts (prince) is a tree whose trunk is made use of in the manufacture of conventional drums.
Senecio marangwensis named in Kirundi “ Imbatura » actually indicating: “elevate”a denomination related to its medico-magical use: this plant is used to hasten the germination of finger millet (Warning), burying it in the subject ahead of sowing.
One more example of a plant for medicinal-magical use: Helichrysum tillandsiifolium (Igisegenya), this Kirundi title will come from the radical “begging” which suggests ” a ton “. This is how grass is superstitiously employed to maximize the harvest in crop fields.
To oblivion?
Know-how about native vegetation was passed down from generation to generation by oral tradition. Nonetheless, it is distinct that for Burundians, this linguistic know-how is regrettably decreasing. ” In the earlier, we experienced an amazing knowledge of indigenous crops. They have been our complete existence. Aside from food stuff, they served straight as medication. They had been linked to faith and the sacred. They ended up made use of as ornaments, perfumes… Sad to say, this knowledge tends to vanish mainly because with modernity, numerous vegetation are no for a longer period used in every day daily life. » points out Joseph Cubwa, octogenarian from Bukeye.
In addition, the disappearance of selected specimens, thanks to human action (agriculture, deforestation, bush fires, etc.) is another contributing element to the regression of understanding in relation to native plants (like these denominations).
Maintain this awareness at all costs…
To help save the linguistic know-how of indigenous vegetation from oblivion, we need to first turn into aware of the richness they stand for.
They constitute a unique linguistic heritage. In a way, these names also have a cultural identification. They bear witness to the record, beliefs, traditions and values of Burundians. They are usually linked to legends, proverbs, tracks or rites.
To safeguard them, efforts will have to be created. So, it is required to motivate and multiply initiatives to perpetuate this know-how. Like for case in point the task Kwa Miganda Karambi Eco-Cultural Heritage. It is a tourist destination located in Mwaro province. Its guests have the probability to immerse them selves in particular facets of the ancestral awareness of Burundi. We find there the prosperous native vegetation with its conventional use (therapeutic, preparing of normal perfumes, crafts, …)
We will have to also support the performs documenting the vernacular names and standard uses of indigenous vegetation. It is still vital to popularize them with the common public by continuing in diverse approaches: Tv documentaries, vacationer photography…
In significant scale, indigenous biodiversity need to be safeguardedto preserve all relevant understanding.
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