THE LANGUAGE OF MEDICINE

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the critical analysis on the language of medicine, using the descriptive theoretical framework. This study shows the wonderful dimensions and patterns of which terminologies in medicine are formulated and/or derived from. Major linguistic concepts used in this work are- jargons, affixations, derivations, inflections, compounding. These concepts were used because most medical terms are shaped in the light of these concepts. This work is sub-divided into five chapters. For chapter one, the subject matter of the language of medicine was introduced, purpose and significance of the study as well as methodology employed in data collection for this work, which includes interviews, direct observation, as well as secondary data such as books, journals, internet sources and dictionaries. Chapter two reveals terms and concepts which are relevant to this work as well as previous studies. In chapter three theoretical frameworks underpinning this work were made known. While chapter four focuses on presentation and analysis of the relevant data for this study. In chapter five, a conclusion was done showing a summary of the work and the findings.