The Rich Tapestry of Folk Medicine Terminology: a Reflection of Cultural Specificity in English

Abstract

This paper investigates the lexical units related to natural healing in the English language, exploring the intricate interplay between language, culture, and the human experience of health and illness. It examines how English has incorporated and adapted terms from diverse sources to describe natural remedies, healing practices, and the human body. The analysis focuses on various word-formation processes and how these processes reflect cultural values, beliefs, and historical influences. By analyzing the etymology and semantic evolution of these terms, this study aims to shed light on the dynamic relationship between language and human understanding of the natural world and its healing potential.