Linguistic Research in Historical Documents: How Philology Reveals the Relationship between Language Use and Social Change

Abstract

Our analysis of various historical documents reveals fascinating trends in language use across cultures and time periods. Our findings focusing on economic vocabulary in the 18th-19th centuries, showcases how terms evolve alongside economic transformations. We see Japan adopting the term "Keizai" (economy) during the rise of Meiji Era Capitalism, replacing the earlier "Keiseisaimin." Similarly, Spain's shift from "Mercantilismo" to "Economía Política" reflects a broader intellectual movement. China's change from "Min sheng" to "Jingji" highlights the influence of Japanese economic concepts. pronoun usage reflects changing social dynamics. In Germany, a decline in formality ("Ihr" to "Sie") suggests a less hierarchical society. Similarly, England's transition ("thou/thee" to "you") and France's adoption of the informal "Tu" point towards a more casual way of communication. This analysis demonstrates how pronoun usage can reveal subtle shifts in social structures. Political speeches across the 19th and 20th centuries show a growing emphasis on connecting with a broader audience. China, Japan, and Latin America all adopted more direct and inclusive language styles as political landscapes changed. This highlights how political communication adapts to suit the evolving needs and composition of the public sphere. Finally, colonial-era documents (18th-19th centuries) shed light on the complex dynamics of power, resistance, and cultural exchange. The initial dominance of colonizers is evident in their use of controlling language ("Power & Authority" markers). However, over time, markers of "Resistance & Identity" and "Cultural Exchange" rise steadily.