Fjärrläsning

Fjärrläsning, often translated as remote reading or distant reading, is a methodology in literary studies that employs computational tools to analyze large bodies of texts. Instead of close reading individual works, fjärrläsning focuses on identifying patterns, trends, and structures across collections of literature. This approach utilizes techniques such as text mining, topic modeling, and statistical analysis to uncover insights that might be difficult or impossible to discern through traditional humanistic methods.

The term was popularized by Franco Moretti, who argued that understanding the broader dynamics of literary history requires a "distant" perspective. By processing thousands or even millions of texts, fjärrläsning can reveal the evolution of genres, the spread of literary themes, the influence of authors, and the underlying mechanisms of literary production and consumption. For example, it can map the rise and fall of certain narrative structures or identify common linguistic features associated with specific historical periods.

Key to fjärrläsning is the use of digital tools and datasets. Researchers often work with digitized literary archives and employ software to quantify textual features. This quantitative approach can complement qualitative analysis, offering a new lens through which to examine literary phenomena. While it has been praised for its potential to reveal new knowledge and make literary history more scientifically rigorous, fjärrläsning has also faced criticism. Some scholars argue that it risks oversimplifying complex literary works, neglecting their aesthetic qualities and deeper meanings. Despite these debates, fjärrläsning continues to be an influential and developing area within digital humanities.