This, a well-known word, has its own history. In this article we will consider the etymology of this concept. We will find out from which language the word "folklore" is borrowed. Let us examine the lexical meanings of this term. And in the end, we pick up synonyms and examples of use in context.
Etymology
From the sound of this term, you can understand that it has a foreign origin. What language the word "folklore" is borrowed from, we will find out now.
It was first used in 1846 by the English historian William Thomson. He combined the British "folk", which translates as "people" with the word "lore", which means "knowledge, skill." Literally translated as "knowledge of the people" or "folk knowledge."
William Thomson coined the term so that it would be more convenient to designate the totality of the traditions of a people and its special way of life.
Now the answer became clear from which language the word "folklore" was borrowed. This is English.
The lexical meaning
According to a direct translation from English, the described term means "folk wisdom." And it covers the entire volume of legends, tales, crafts, sayings, signs, songs. That is, in general, popular culture.
According to the explanatory dictionaries of S. I. Ozhegov, N. Yu. Shvedova, T. F. Efremova, D. N. Ushakova, the lexical meaning of the word "folklore" is defined as the whole combination of folk art - both oral and substantive.
There are three meanings of this term:
- Creativity of a people that is passed from mouth to mouth.
- Beliefs, rites and rituals, special dances inherent in this people.
- A science that studies the work of different nations.
Folklore is an art that was created not by one person, but by the whole community. Oral traditions and legends served not only as an entertaining tool, but teaching children to live correctly.
Synonyms and examples of the use of the word "folklore"
It is difficult to find words that are similar in meaning to this term, but it is still possible. So, the concept of "folklore" has the following synonyms:
- creation;
- literature;
- legends;
- legend.
More clearly imagine how the word works in the text, examples of its use will help:
- The Russian people have their own special folklore: tales of Baba Yaga and Koshchey the Immortal, folk songs and dances.
- Domovoi is a representative of Russian folklore, to whom many legends and legends are devoted.
- Folklore is important for ethnographers studying the mentality of people of different nations.
Thus, in the article we were able to find out from which language the word "folklore" is borrowed and what it means.