Exploring terminology of the beauty Jamu and the beauty metaphor of East Java women-Indonesia: An eco-linguistics study

Abstract

AbstractEtymologically, jamu is derived from two ancient Javanese words—djampi, meaning “healing by herbs,” and oesodo, meaning “health,” and their respective meanings are as all-encompassing as the term’s modern application immunity. This research aims to explore the terminology of “jamu kecantikan”, (beauty jamu), the terminology of medicinal plants used in concocting jamu, and the lexicons found in East Java women’s metaphors regarding the expression of beauty. This research was underpinned by eco-linguistic theory with a descriptive qualitative design. The data were collected from 25 native Javanese speakers by using an interview with probing question techniques. The finding indicated that (1) the terminology of “jamu kecantikan” (beauty jamu) is named based on the flavor, how to maintain it, benefits and the basic ingredients, (2) The terminology for medicinal plants used in concocting jamu is dependent on flavor, origin, color, and aroma and (3) the lexicon contained in the metaphor of beauty consists of flora, fauna, astronomical objects, and inanimate objects. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the people of East Java create terms or languages based on what has been observed from their surrounding environment.

Keywords

• Medicinal plants
• jamu
• metaphors
• eco-linguistics
• women