The Sago Terminology among the Melanau of Sarawak (Malaysia)

Abstract

This study is an attempt to describe the terminology of Metroxylon sago among the Melanau community in Mukah, Sarawak (Malaysia). The paper is divided into three main sections: the research method, introduction to the Melanau and their language, and the description of sago terms. The research results reported here are based on data collected in a qualitative research project, featuring face to face interviews in situ. Lexical items related to the sago palm plant and its taxonomy; the harvesting process; processing sago and its products; and, ethno-cultural issues are discussed in this paper.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s2p136