Digital Humanities: 5 Key Facts About Digital Humanities

Contents:

• What is Digital Humanities: 817 Attempts to Answer
• The Interaction of IBM and Digital Humanities: The Legacy of Thomas Aquinas
• Digital Historiography: From Witch Hunts to the Battle of Hong Kong
• Digital Research: From Pushkin's Manuscripts to Dante's Circles of Hell
• Analysis of Social Ties: Virtual Handshakes in Historical Context
• Immersive Technologies in Digital Humanities
• Innovative Projects in Digital Humanities
• Next steps in digital humanities

What is Digital Humanities: 817 Attempts to Answer

The term "digital humanities", translated into Russian as "digital humanities", encompasses a variety of studies at the intersection of the humanities and digital technologies. This field of knowledge has been actively developing for over 30 years, but still does not have a single and generally accepted definition. Digital humanities combines methods of data analysis, visualization, and digital archiving, which allows researchers to more effectively study cultural and historical phenomena. Modern technologies are opening new horizons for humanities research, facilitating the integration of traditional methods with innovative approaches.

The digital humanities research community has developed the whatisdigitalhumanities.com platform to further understand this discipline. The site features 817 definitions, each interpreting the essence of digital humanities in its own way. For example, Jade Davis defines digital humanities as:

Digital humanities represent the future of humanities research. They are characterized by openness to society, dialogicity, and collaborative work based on collective effort. These disciplines offer unique opportunities to rethink and deeply analyze traditional forms of knowledge creation, exchange, and preservation. In the age of digitalization, they are becoming an important tool for exploring cultural and social aspects, enabling the integration of new technologies and methods into humanities disciplines. Digital humanities thus contribute to the development of a more sustainable and inclusive approach to the study of human culture and history.

Despite the many definitions, digital humanities research is clearly manifested through its results. Typically, these are interactive digital projects that combine humanities knowledge with computational methods. A striking example of such a project is the website She Giggles, He Gallops, developed by data scientist Julia Silge. This project illustrates how technology can enrich humanities research by offering new ways of interacting with data and content.

In her work, Julia analyzed more than 2,000 film scripts covering the period from 1929 to 2015. She discovered an interesting pattern: female characters are more often described using verbs such as "cuddled", "giggles", and "... and "sobs", while male characters are characterized by the verbs "jumps", "shoots", and "yells". The website provides information on frequent verbs, the contexts of their use, and a comparative analysis of vocabulary depending on the gender of the scriptwriter. This analysis highlights the specifics of character portrayal in film and can serve as a basis for further research into gender stereotypes in screenwriting.

Julia Silge's work is a powerful example that demonstrates the essence of digital humanities. The following sections will present other projects that illustrate how modern technologies assist the humanities in revealing unexpected discoveries and uncovering hidden patterns in human cultural heritage. The use of digital tools opens new horizons for data analysis and interpretation, enabling humanists to more effectively explore and preserve our shared cultural heritage.

The Interaction of IBM and Digital Humanities: The Legacy of Thomas Aquinas

The use of quantitative analysis in the humanities has a long history, dating back to the 19th century. In 1851, mathematician Augustus de Morgan proposed using average word length as a unique indicator of an author's style. For example, he found that the average word length in Shakespeare's works was only 3.9 letters, significantly lower than that of other writers of the time. This discovery laid the foundation for further research in the field of stylistic text analysis, demonstrating how quantitative methods can deepen our understanding of literature and authorial identities. Modern technologies allow such methods to be applied at a broader level, opening new horizons in the study of texts and authorial styles.

Modern digital humanities as a scientific discipline owes much to the Italian priest Roberto Busa, who became a founder of this field. He developed a unique computer search system for literary texts, known as the Index Thomisticus project. This project covers the entire works of the eminent philosopher Thomas Aquinas and has become an important tool for textual analysis and research, contributing to the development of digital humanities. Thanks to Busa's efforts, researchers gained access to a new level of interaction with historical and philosophical texts, opening up new horizons for scholarly inquiry.

Index Thomisticus was the first significant project to combine the humanities and modern computing technology. This system allows researchers to quickly find all occurrences of specific words and analyze the frequency of philosophical terms. For example, in a matter of seconds, it is possible to identify all instances of the word anima ("soul") and count the number of times the term essentia ("essence") is mentioned. This approach significantly facilitates textual research and deepens the understanding of philosophical concepts, allowing scholars to conduct more detailed analysis of works.

In 1949, a key step in the development of the project was taken when Roberto Busa met Thomas Watson, the founder of IBM. This conversation proved decisive for the project, as Watson agreed to provide support, which subsequently facilitated its implementation for 34 years. During this period, the research team processed over 10.6 million words from the works of Thomas Aquinas.

Data entry was done manually using punch cards, requiring approximately one million hours to fully process the materials. The project was later converted to digital format. In 1992, a CD-ROM was released, and in 2005, the database became available at corpusthomisticum.org. This transition to digital technology significantly simplified access to information and improved data processing, making the project more efficient and user-friendly.

The Index Thomisticus project marked a significant milestone in the development of digital humanities, demonstrating how automated text analysis methods can facilitate the work of researchers. This project has opened up new possibilities for in-depth study of the humanities, allowing large volumes of text to be analyzed with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency. The use of technology in humanities research not only accelerates the analysis process but also helps to identify hidden patterns and connections, making Index Thomisticus an essential tool for scholars and researchers.

Digital Historiography: From Witch Hunts to the Battle of Hong Kong

Modern historians and archaeologists actively use advanced technologies in their research, which significantly changes the methods of studying history. As the French historian Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie noted, the use of new technologies allows us to deeper understand the past and uncover its secrets. Modern tools such as 3D modeling, geographic information systems, and big data analysis are opening up new horizons in historical research. These innovations not only improve the quality of analysis but also make it more accessible to a wider audience, promoting the popularization of history and increasing interest in cultural heritage. The integration of technology into archaeology and history also helps uncover new facts and refine previously known data, which in turn enriches our understanding of the past.

The historian of the future will likely become a programmer, otherwise their role may disappear. With the rapid development of technology and the digitalization of the information space, programming skills will become key to the analysis and interpretation of historical data. Programmers will be able to process large volumes of information, creating new tools for the study of history. Thus, the profession of historian will be transformed, and those who cannot adapt to these changes may disappear.

One significant example of the use of digital technology is the Witches project, developed by the University of Edinburgh. This project focuses on the Scottish witch hunts, spanning the period from 1563 to 1736. The project has collected over 3,800 documented cases, including detailed trial descriptions and biographies of the accused. The Witches Project provides a unique opportunity to explore historical data and better understand the social, cultural, and legal aspects of the time, as well as the societal impact of the witch hunts. Data visualizations indicate a peak in witchcraft accusations in 1661-1662, when over 600 cases were recorded in just two years. The project's interactive maps demonstrate that the bulk of the trials took place in the country's coastal regions. This demonstrates the geographical dependence of the accusations and underscores the importance of context in studying the historical events associated with witchcraft and its persecution.

The "World of Immanuel Kant" project is a unique reconstruction of 18th-century Königsberg. The initiative, implemented by a team from the Baltic Federal University, includes the creation of a detailed 3D model of the city. This model allows users to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of that time, explore the home of philosopher Immanuel Kant, and learn about his daily life. The project not only preserves historical heritage, but also makes Kant's philosophy more accessible to a wider audience, helping to popularize his ideas and their significance in the modern world.

The Battle of Hong Kong 1941 project offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the defense of Hong Kong by British and Canadian troops against Japanese forces in December 1941. An interactive map with 51 timestamps shows the exact positions of military units at critical moments of the battle and includes personal stories of participants and military artifacts. This resource is a valuable tool for the study of military history and allows you to explore the details of one of the significant battles of World War II, highlighting the importance of heroism and strategy in wartime.

Digital technology provides access to historical data in a visual and interactive format. This allows users to delve deeper into historical context, which is impossible to achieve through traditional books and articles. Interactive elements such as graphs, maps, and 3D models make learning about history more engaging and informative. Thus, the digitalization of historical data opens new horizons for education and research, improving information comprehension and stimulating interest in the past.

To deepen your knowledge of this topic, it is recommended to consider the following aspects. Study the basic principles and approaches to better understand the subject. Review current research and statistics to gain a more comprehensive understanding of current trends. It is also useful to study examples of successful practices that can serve as inspiration. Don't forget the importance of analyzing mistakes and failures to avoid them in the future. Use available online resources, such as webinars, courses, and articles, to expand your knowledge and skills. Regularly updating information and continuous self-education will contribute to your professional growth.

• London Lives is an archive containing the stories of Londoners from 1690 to 1800, including 3.35 million names and access to 240,000 manuscripts.
• Palladio is tools for visualizing complex historical data.
• Programming Historian is practical lessons for humanities students about digital tools, including facial recognition in photographs and creating visualizations.
• American Panorama is an interactive historical atlas of the United States with maps and visualizations of key episodes in American history.
• Digital Panopticon is a database of 90,000 British prisoners exiled to Australia from 1780 to 1925, with detailed information about their lives.
• PubHistory is a project that analyzes the veracity of historical events in films and video games.

Digital technologies play a key role in the work of historians, turning static facts into interactive and engaging narratives. They help not only bring the past to life but also deepen understanding of historical events. Using modern tools, historians can create visualizations and dynamic presentations, making the study of history more accessible and interesting for a wide audience. Thus, the digitalization of historical data contributes to a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on the present.

Digital Research: From Pushkin's Manuscripts to Dante's Circles of Hell

Digital humanities significantly expands the capabilities of literary studies, providing new tools for text analysis. The use of modern technologies goes beyond simply digitizing works. Researchers are developing unique databases with careful labeling, which allows for efficient search for necessary information and the creation of interactive visualizations. These approaches not only deepen understanding of literary works but also promote deeper engagement with texts, opening up new perspectives for research in the humanities.

The Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) standard is an essential tool for marking up humanities texts. Based on XML, this standard enables the efficient encoding of culturally significant information, including aspects such as poetry, authorship, and text structure. The TEI markup of William Blake's poem "Songs of Innocence and of Experience" clearly illustrates the potential of this approach. Using TEI facilitates deeper textual analysis and the preservation of cultural heritage, making it an indispensable tool in the humanities.

The "Dante's World" project demonstrates the benefits of TEI markup in practical applications. It enables powerful searches by characters, geographic locations, and mythological creatures, promoting a deeper understanding of the Divine Comedy. Users can easily find all references to Virgil, track the characters' movements through the circles of hell, and instantly highlight detected elements on the page. This approach not only improves interaction with the text but also makes it more accessible for analysis and study, significantly enriching the reader's experience.

In Russia, Pushkin Digital is an important digital project. This extensive resource is a collection of the works of Alexander Pushkin, including original texts, historical and literary commentary, and a multimedia encyclopedia. The project contains numerous links to scholarly publications, making it a valuable tool for researchers and literary enthusiasts. Pushkin Digital promotes Pushkin's legacy and facilitates access to his works, providing convenient tools for analyzing and studying his work.

Digital copies of Alexander Pushkin's manuscripts, presented on the platform, open up the possibility of studying the evolution of his literary work. Drafts of the famous poem "I remember a wonderful moment..." illustrate how the lines changed as the poet worked. For example, the original version of “In the wilderness, in dreams, in the languor of vanity” was reworked into the more famous line “In the wilderness, in the darkness of confinement.” These changes highlight Pushkin's creative process and his quest for perfection in words, making his legacy even more valuable to researchers and poetry lovers.

Social Network Analysis: Virtual Handshakes in Historical Context

The analysis of network structures and interactions between characters, events, and historical figures is becoming increasingly important in contemporary research. A striking example of this is the Six Degrees of Francis Bacon project. This innovative digital platform makes it possible to reconstruct social connections in England from 1500 to 1700, covering more than 13,000 historical figures. The study of such networks allows for a deeper understanding of cultural and historical contexts, as well as the influence of individual figures on the development of society.

This project allows researchers to visually trace the connections between key figures of the Elizabethan era. For example, Francis Bacon had at least two important connections with William Shakespeare through mutual acquaintances such as the Earl of Southampton and the playwright Ben Jonson. This highlights how the various cultural and social circles of the period were intertwined, which significantly impacts our understanding of the historical context and the interactions between prominent figures of the time.

DraCor (Drama Corpora Project) is a unique and extensive collection of dramatic works in various languages. All texts in the project are marked up according to the TEI standard, which allows for the creation of visual diagrams and charts showing the relationships between characters. This greatly simplifies the analysis of interactions and relationships in works, making DraCor a valuable tool for researchers and drama enthusiasts. The project promotes a deeper understanding of drama and opens new horizons for the analysis of literary texts.

In the comedy "Woe from Wit", the interaction between the character Chatsky, Sophia, and Molchalin is vividly evident. These relationships highlight the conflict between generations and different outlooks on life. Famusov, who is the central figure of the play, is connected to all the other characters, which emphasizes his influence on the events and the development of the plot. Thus, the structure of relationships between characters in "Woe from Wit" plays a key role in revealing the main themes of the work.

For those seeking to deepen their knowledge of network analysis and visualization, there are many useful resources. Research in this field is opening new horizons in understanding relationships and data structures. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with current research papers, specialized courses, and online lectures to learn network analysis methods and tools. It is also useful to explore data visualization software such as Gephi or Cytoscape, which allow you to visualize complex networks. Communities and forums dedicated to network analysis can be a source of inspiration and experience sharing. Remember that continuous knowledge updating and practical application of acquired skills play a key role in this rapidly developing field.

• Gephi is free and open-source software for visualizing and analyzing graphs and networks.
• Cytoscape is an open-source platform for visualizing and analyzing complex networks, used in bioinformatics and sociology.
• Social networks in movies is an interesting project that analyzes social networks in famous films, including "Harry Potter" and "Pulp Fiction".

Immersive technologies in digital humanities

Digital humanities is significantly expanding its horizons, going beyond traditional text analysis. Modern projects actively use game mechanics, as well as audio and video materials. This creates a deeply immersive experience for users and draws attention to the humanities. The integration of multimedia elements not only deepens understanding of the topics being explored but also makes learning more engaging and accessible. Thus, digital humanities is becoming an important tool in modern education and research.

One of the best examples of a historical game is The Hajj Trail, which gives players the unique opportunity to make a virtual pilgrimage to Mecca. This simulation is based on real accounts of pilgrims and recreates the atmosphere of the Ottoman Empire from the 16th to 18th centuries. Players can choose a character, such as an Indonesian merchant, and face typical challenges of that time, such as finding a reliable ship or fighting disease. The Hajj Trail not only entertains but also immerses players in the cultural and historical aspects of the pilgrimage, making it a valuable tool for learning and understanding the significance of this event in world history.

Digital Humanities is an important tool for preserving cultural and historical heritage. Contemporary archival projects not only preserve knowledge but also make it accessible to a wider audience. This promotes the dissemination of information and increases interest in culture and history, and allows researchers and enthusiasts to access unique materials in digital format. Thus, Digital Humanities not only preserves but also actively popularizes heritage, facilitating its study and understanding in a contemporary context.

As an example, consider the British Library's Endangered Archives Programme, which has digitized over 13 million images and 35,000 audio recordings from around the world. This project aims to preserve rare manuscripts, photographs, and unique books, including ancient Buddhist manuscripts from Tibet, which otherwise would have been lost forever. Digitization of cultural heritage allows us not only to preserve it for future generations, but also to make it accessible for research and study.

Digital technologies play an important role in modern journalism. Interactive storytelling gives readers the opportunity not only to read but also to actively engage with materials. A striking example of this approach is the South China Morning Post's special project on traditional Chinese hanfu dress. This project not only informs but also engages the audience, making it more appealing and memorable. Interactive elements foster a deeper understanding of the topic and allow users to delve into the culture and history of hanfu, demonstrating how modern technology can enrich journalism.

The website's interactive infographics explore the evolution of hanfu, from the ceremonial attire of the Han Dynasty to modern interpretations. This project clearly illustrates changes in costume design and production processes, including fabric selection and embroidery techniques. Users can see how traditional elements have been adapted to modern demands while preserving cultural heritage. The infographics also highlight the importance of hanfu in Chinese culture and fashion, making it a valuable resource for exploring styles and traditions.

Originally a symbol of cultural heritage, hanfu has now evolved into a fashion trend. Its fan base in China exceeds 9 million, and the hanfu market has reached a value of 14.5 billion yuan. Young people are actively adapting traditional elements into everyday life, creating new styles that include combining hanfu with jeans and sneakers. This process not only preserves historical roots, but also brings fresh ideas to modern fashion, making it more diverse and interesting.

Innovative Projects in Digital Humanities

• Macrometeorites — visualization of famous meteorite falls.
• Arya’s Journey — a map of Arya Stark’s travels from Game of Thrones.
• Robots Reading Vogue — a Yale University project where neural networks explore the 122-year-old Vogue archive, analyzing the images of models and the changing language of fashion.
• Ukiyo-e — a collection of traditional Japanese woodblock prints in the ukiyo-e style.
• The Digital Orientalist — a blog about digital methods in Asian studies, where the use of AI for manuscript recognition and the creation of digital dictionaries of Eastern languages ​​is discussed.

Next Steps in Digital Humanities

Digital Humanities is a broad and multifaceted discipline encompassing a variety of areas. It includes text analysis, geodata processing, digital linguistics, and soundscape reconstruction. An important aspect of Digital Humanities is the use of artificial intelligence to advance humanities research. This field is actively developing, offering new methods and tools for analyzing cultural and historical phenomena in digital format.

If you want to delve deeper into this topic or implement your own project, we recommend checking out the guide published in System Block. This source is one of the most comprehensive and accessible overviews in Russian, making it an excellent starting point. After reviewing the material, you can gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help you develop your project.

Ready to start practicing? Here is a simple algorithm to help you. This algorithm is designed to simplify the process as much as possible and make it effective. Follow these steps to confidently enter into practice and achieve your desired results. Start with a clear understanding of your goals to give you a clear direction throughout the process. Next, identify the necessary resources and tools to help you achieve your goals. Gradually move into action, recording your successes and analyzing the results. This approach will allow you not only to begin your practice but also to develop it, reaching new heights.

• Identify a topic that interests you. This could be a literary work, a historical event, a personal biography, a place, or even materials from a family archive.
• Think about the data that can be collected: names, dates, actions, mentions, events—anything that can be systematized or counted.
• Decide how to visualize the collected data. This could be a map, a timeline, a network graph, a frequency list, or even a simple table. Use available tools such as Google Sheets, Flourish, Palladio, Gephi, Tableau Public, or PowerPoint.
• Once you feel confident, consider using Python. This programming language will allow you to automate data collection, analyze text arrays, build graphs, and create full-fledged digital projects - like those described in this article (or even surpass them!).