fjernlæsning

Fjernlæsning, a Danish term, translates to "remote reading" or "distant reading." It refers to a scholarly approach to analyzing texts that focuses on patterns and trends across a large corpus of works rather than in-depth interpretation of individual texts. This method often employs computational tools and statistical analysis to identify recurring themes, linguistic features, and narrative structures that might be invisible through traditional close reading.

The concept gained prominence with Franco Moretti's work, who championed the idea that certain literary phenomena can only be understood by examining vast quantities of texts. Fjernlæsning is a key component of digital humanities, enabling scholars to explore literature on a scale previously unimaginable. It allows for the study of literary history, genre evolution, and the circulation of ideas across different periods and cultures.

Critics of fjernlæsning sometimes argue that it can overlook the nuance and aesthetic qualities of individual works, leading to a decontextualized understanding. However, proponents maintain that it offers a valuable macro-level perspective that complements traditional close reading, providing new insights into the broader landscape of literature and its development. The distinction between fjernlæsning and close reading is not always absolute, and many scholars utilize both approaches in their research.