Rethinking "Data" in the Digital Humanities

The term "data" can feel foreign to some digital humanities scholars. It conjures images of spreadsheets and numerical analysis, not the rich tapestry of texts, images, and artifacts they typically work with. Here's how we can bridge this gap:

Embrace "Sources" and "Evidence"

Humanists are comfortable with established terminology like "sources" and "evidence." These terms acknowledge the curated nature of digital materials while emphasizing their role in building knowledge. "Source" highlights the origin and context of the material, while "evidence" underscores its role in supporting arguments and interpretations.

Highlight "Material" and "Corpus"

"Material" emphasizes the tangible nature of digital objects, whether it's a scanned manuscript, a digitized painting, or a social media archive. "Corpus" refers to a collection of related materials, useful for large datasets or thematic groupings. Both terms resonate with the physical objects and collections traditionally studied in the humanities.

Contextualize with "Digital" or "Humanistic Data"

When "data" is unavoidable, we can add context by using phrases like "digital data" or "humanistic data." This clarifies the specific type of data being analyzed and acknowledges the unique considerations of the humanities field.

Focus on "Content" and "Representation"

Humanists often focus on the meaning and interpretation of information within digital objects. Terms like "content" and "representation" highlight this aspect, emphasizing the intellectual engagement with the material rather than just the raw information it holds.

Remember, Terminology is Flexible

The most important aspect is clear communication. Discuss research goals and methods with colleagues, and choose terms that accurately reflect how you're using digital materials. Sometimes a combination of terms ("digital source material") might best represent your research.

By adopting these strategies, we can have a more collaborative conversation within the digital humanities and bridge the gap between traditional and data-driven approaches to scholarship.