Question

Arrernte speakers regard the bush banana, native pear, and mulga bean as "mates" because:

a. They are all fruits native to their region
b. These foods are considered traditional delicacies
c. These plants have a special cultural significance
d. These are the primary sources of their livelihood

Answer 1

Arrernte speakers consider the bush banana, native pear, and mulga bean as "mates" due to their deep cultural significance which encompasses spiritual beliefs, medicinal uses, and their integral role in the traditional knowledge and identity of the community.

Step-by-step explanation:

Arrernte speakers regard the bush banana, native pear, and mulga bean as "mates" because these species are tightly intertwined with their traditional lifestyles and cultural practices. These plant species are not merely sources of sustenance or commercial goods but are part of a complex ecosystem that includes traditional knowledge, spiritual beliefs, and communal identity.

Such plants may feature in dreamtime stories, serve medicinal purposes or hold other special cultural significance; thus, they go beyond being just food sources and embody the cultural heritage of the Arrernte people. For indigenous communities like the Arrernte, the relationship with plant species is symbiotic and arises from a deep understanding and respect for the natural environment, where every element plays its part in the broader cultural narrative.