Karelian vs. Russian in the origin of the concepts of “pain” and “disease” in the language of the Karelians

The study aims to determine the origin of names designating ‘pain’ and ‘disease’ in the Karelian language. On the one hand, the article analyzes the etymology of dialectisms with the meaning of pain sensations and a state of malaise in the Karelian language in relation to the linguistic and cultural contacts of Karelians and Russians. On the other hand, the semantics of identified lexemes is considered in the process of their adaptation in the Karelian language. The scientific novelty of the research is seen in determining the origin and characteristics of the semantic and motivational principles of nomination of the word family with the meaning of a painful state of the body. As a result of the study, 11 names with the semes ‘pain and/or disease’ were identified. All the analyzed lexemes were borrowed into the Karelian language in this meaning from Russian, which indicates close contact between Karelians and Russians and, accordingly, the mutual influence of the Karelian and Russian languages. The borrowing process led to the phonematic transformation of lexemes, due to the need to adapt to the phonetic and orthoepic norms of the Karelian language.