SEMANTIC STRUCTURE AND CULTURAL MEANING OF FOLK MEDICINE TERMINOLOGY

This article explores the semantic structure and cultural meaning of folk medicine terminology. It emphasizes how traditional medical terms go beyond their primary function of describing diseases or remedies and embody cultural beliefs, values, and symbolic representations. The study shows that many folk medical terms are metaphorical in nature, reflecting connections between language, worldview, and cultural practices. Terms such as evil eye, cold entering the body, or spirit attack highlight the integration of health, spirituality, and communal experience. By examining these terms through a linguocultural lens, the research reveals the role of folk medicine as both a linguistic and cultural phenomenon. The findings contribute to understanding how language preserves traditional knowledge and cultural identity across generations.