Satawalese Fish Names

Akimichi, Tomoya; Sauchomal, Sabino (1982). "Satawalese Fish Names". Micronesica. Mangilao, GU: University of Guam. 18 (2): 297–330. ISSN 2374-801X.

• Has attachment: File:UBZZWICH.pdf

Abstract: Akimichi and Sauchomal present a detailed ethnobiological study of Satawalese fish nomenclature, documenting roughly 400 vernacular names and examining the classification principles and cultural meanings built into them; show that fish are classified not only by morphology but also by habitat, behavior, growth stage, sex, danger, taboo, and ritual associations; situate the naming system within Satawal’s heavy dependence on marine resources and within a wider Caroline linguistic and cultural setting; note that the island’s relative lack of lagoon and reef abundance was offset by navigational skill and access to remote seas and neighboring atolls; identify especially fine-grained classification among economically important fish groups and discuss alternative names used in magical or taboo contexts; compare Satawalese terminology with neighboring Caroline languages to suggest both eastern and western influences; and conclude that fish names provide a rich index of ecological knowledge, subsistence practice, and symbolic life in a highly maritime community.

Extra details:

MAG: 2774146039
OpenAlex: W2774146039