Ecolexicon of Fisheries in Culture of the Nemberala Community, West Rote District, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province

Rote language is a regional language used by the people of Nemberala Village, West Rote District, Rote Ndao Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Some fisheries lexicons in the Rote language are less well known by the younger generation. These fisheries lexicons can be lost if no conservation efforts are made. The Nemberala community has a unique culture to generate income. The aim of this study is to document the Rote language fisheries lexicon, along with its taxonomy and culture related to the sea. This research has two benefits: first, to add to the vocabulary of the Rote language dictionary; and second, to provide a global reference related to the vocabulary of the sea. Data collection was carried out by interviewing four informants. The process of data triangulation was employed through informants’ confirmation of the initial findings. The selection of four informants, who were native Rote speakers over 40 years of age, was determined by their capacity to provide valid data. Interviews employed recording techniques with electronic devices. Data analysis techniques were carried out by data condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of this study indicate that there are 160 ecolexicons related to fishing in the Rote language. This study also found out uniqueness of the culture of the Nemberala community in utilizing sea conditions. In the afternoon, the sea water usually recedes, so that part of the seabed is visible and used for growing seaweed.