ABSTRACT
A discussion of the symbolism that is embedded in the Umeda language will acquaint the reader with what are the fundamental natural and social oppositions underlying the Umeda symbolic system as a whole. A discussion of language thus performs a convenient bridging function between social structure, on the one hand, and ritual and symbolism on the other. This chapter takes up some of the themes that have already made their appearance, and places them in a new context - language. It shows how the fundamental social opposition ‘central vs. lateral’ is basic to the interpretation of ritual symbolism. The chapter sketches the outstanding features of the Umeda symbolic system. It dwelts on the symbolic relationship of certain trees, particularly the palms, coconut, Areca, sago, naimo and as, which stand as botanical metaphors for sociological reality.
