Diseases can be named after their symptoms, allowing for categorization and influencing understanding.
Naming diseases after the affected organs provides a clear indication of the impacted area of the body.
Diseases named after their vectors reflect an understanding of transmission and can be influenced by language and culture factors.
Deep dives
Naming Diseases Based on Symptoms
Diseases can be named after their symptoms, such as diarrhea or the sniffles. This method of naming allows for categorization based on observable signs and can influence how diseases are understood.
Naming Diseases Based on Affected Organs
Some diseases are named after the organs they affect, like pneumonia. This approach provides a clear indication of the area of the body that is impacted by the disease.
Naming Diseases Based on Vectors
Certain diseases are named after their vectors, such as malaria, which comes from the Italian words for 'bad air'. This naming convention reflects an understanding of how the disease is transmitted.
Naming Diseases after People
In Western science, there has been a tradition of naming diseases after individuals, either the discoverer or the first patient. This approach can lead to problematic associations if the namesake is controversial or associated with negative ideologies.
Language and Cultural Influences on Disease Names
The naming of diseases can also be influenced by language and cultural factors. Different languages may choose to use place names or ethnic groups to describe diseases, which can reflect political tensions or biases. This is an important consideration for conlangers when developing naming conventions for diseases in their conlangs.
George and Joey Windsor use the various names of COVID-19 as a jumping off point to talk about naming diseases. Note that this episode was recorded in May, and quite a lot has changed in the intervening time. Top of Show Greeting: Chátsu Special mentions (from top of show note): A list of BLM charities,... Read more »
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