Digital Humanities

Welcome to my blog,

This blog is part of our study. This Thinking activity is based on Digital Humanities and was assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir Department of English MKBU.In this task, we have to discuss Deconstruction.

What is Digital Humanities?

Digital humanities is an academic discipline that explores the intersection between digital technologies and culture. It emerged from the humanities, which study aspects of human society, and include well-known popular subjects, like history, philosophy, literature and modern languages.

As a new and emerging field, digital humanities aims to open up new areas for research in these subjects and to explore traditional questions in a different way. For students, this could mean looking at culture, language or history through a digital lense; or using computer skills to better analyse and understand humanities data.

Digital humanities has grown in popularity in recent years, and while not every academic is convinced it is worth the hype - or that digital tools actually provide the best insight into humanities topics -, it is only likely to become a more relevant field in an increasingly digital world.

Key aspects of Digital Humanities include:(Chat GPT)

Digitization: Converting analog content (e.g., manuscripts, books, artwork) into digital formats, making them accessible for preservation, analysis, and dissemination.

Data Analysis: Using computational methods to analyze large datasets, allowing researchers to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that might be difficult to identify through traditional methods.

Text Mining: Applying natural language processing and text analysis techniques to study and extract information from large collections of texts.

Visualization: Creating visual representations of data and information to aid in understanding complex relationships and patterns.

What is done under Digital Humanities:(Chat GPT)

Text Analysis and Text Mining: Researchers use computational tools and techniques to analyze large volumes of text, identifying patterns, trends, and relationships. This might involve sentiment analysis, topic modeling, named entity recognition, and more.

Digitization and Archives: Cultural artifacts, historical documents, manuscripts, books, and artworks are digitized to preserve and provide wider access. Digital archives are created to house and organize these digitized materials.

Data Visualization: Complex data is visualized using charts, graphs, maps, and other visual representations to make patterns and insights more accessible and understandable.

Mapping and Geospatial Analysis: Geographic information systems (GIS) are used to map historical and cultural data, allowing researchers to explore spatial relationships and changes over time.

Network Analysis: Researchers analyze networks (e.g., social networks, intellectual networks) to study relationships and connections between individuals, ideas, and cultural artifacts.

Linguistic Analysis: Digital tools are used to study linguistic patterns, changes in language over time, and variations across different contexts and regions.

Cultural Heritage Preservation: Digital technologies are employed to preserve and restore cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and traditions, often through virtual reconstructions or 3D models.

Collaborative Projects: Scholars from diverse disciplines collaborate on research projects that bring together expertise in both humanities and technology. These collaborations often result in innovative research outcomes.

Educational Resources: Digital Humanities projects create educational materials, online courses, and interactive platforms that engage students and the public with cultural and historical topics.

Public Engagement and Outreach: Digital Humanities projects often involve creating websites, exhibitions, and interactive installations that allow the general public to explore and engage with cultural and historical content.

Stylometric Analysis: Researchers analyze writing styles and linguistic features to attribute authorship, detect plagiarism, and study the evolution of writing styles.

Data Curation: Curating and managing large datasets, ensuring their quality, organization, and accessibility for researchers and the public.

Time-Based Media Analysis: Analyzing audio, video, and multimedia content using digital tools to study narratives, visual storytelling, and cultural representations.

Ethical Considerations: Digital Humanities scholars also engage in discussions about ethical considerations, including issues related to data privacy, cultural sensitivity, and representation.

Experimentation with New Technologies: Exploring emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to create new ways of experiencing and interpreting cultural artifacts.

Digital humanities projects:

Digital Public Library of America (DPLA):

DPLA offers access to millions of photographs, manuscripts, books, and more held by libraries, archives, and museums across the United States. Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is a digital platform that provides free and open access to a vast collection of cultural heritage materials from libraries, archives, museums, and cultural institutions across the United States. The DPLA was launched in April 2013 with the aim of bringing together the diverse digitized collections of American institutions and making them easily accessible to the public.

Project Link: https://dp.la/

The Programming Historian: 

The Programming Historian is an open-access online resource that offers tutorials and lessons aimed at helping historians and humanists learn digital tools, programming languages, and computational methods for conducting research, analyzing data, and creating digital projects. The project was launched in 2008 by a group of scholars in the digital humanities and has since grown to become a widely recognized and valuable resource for those interested in incorporating digital techniques into their research and teaching. While not a single project, this is a collection of tutorials aimed at helping historians and humanists learn programming and digital tools for their research.

Project Link: https://programminghistorian.org/

Europeana:

Europeana is a digital cultural platform that brings together a wide range of digitized cultural heritage materials from institutions across Europe. Launched in 2008 by the European Commission, Europeana's mission is to make Europe's cultural heritage accessible to everyone, fostering a sense of shared history and culture. The platform provides access to millions of items, including artworks, photographs, manuscripts, books, audio recordings, and more.

Europeana plays a vital role in democratizing access to cultural heritage, enabling researchers, students, educators, and the general public to explore and engage with Europe's rich historical and artistic legacy. The platform continually evolves to include new collections, technologies, and features, making it a dynamic hub for digital cultural exploration.

Project Link: https://www.europeana.eu/

Thank you for Visiting and Reading...

Derrida and Deconstruction

Welcome to my blog,

This blog is part of our study. This Thinking activity is based on Derrida and Deconstruction and was assigned by Dr. Dilip Barad sir Department of English MKBU.In this task, we have to discuss Deconstruction.

Jacques Derrida

Jacques Derrida (1930-2004) was a French philosopher and one of the most prominent figures in post-structuralist thought. He was born on July 15, 1930, in El Biar, Algeria, which was then a French colony. Derrida's work has had a profound impact on fields such as philosophy, literary theory, linguistics, and cultural studies.

Derrida is best known for developing the philosophy of deconstruction, a method of critical analysis that challenges fixed meanings and binary oppositions in language, literature, and philosophy. He attended the École Normale Supérieure in Paris, where he studied under influential philosophers such as Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Jean Hyppolite.

Derrida's work extended beyond philosophy to politics, ethics, and cultural critique. He was involved in various political and intellectual debates, including discussions on Marxism, feminism, and the nature of power. Jacques Derrida passed away on October 9, 2004, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy of innovative thinking that continues to influence and shape contemporary thought across disciplines. His work has sparked both admiration and criticism and remains a cornerstone of postmodern and post-structuralist philosophy.

First, we discuss What do you understand by 'Deconstruction'? 

Deconstruction is a philosophical and literary approach that originated with the work of French philosopher Jacques Derrida in the 20th century. It is a method of analysis that seeks to reveal and challenge the underlying assumptions, binary oppositions, and fixed meanings present in language, literature, and philosophical concepts. At its core, deconstruction is a critical and skeptical mode of inquiry that questions the stability and certainty of traditional forms of knowledge and representation.

Deconstruction does not offer a fixed set of principles or characteristics, but it is more of a dynamic and flexible approach to understanding texts and ideas. It involves close readings of texts to expose the complexities, contradictions, and ambiguities within them. Instead of seeking a definitive interpretation, deconstruction encourages an awareness of the multiple meanings and possible interpretations that texts can evoke.

One of the key concepts in deconstruction is "différance," a term coined by Derrida to signify the constant deferral and difference of meaning within language. This concept challenges the idea of ultimate, stable meaning and emphasizes the play and interplay of language.

Deconstruction is a method of critical analysis that seeks to challenge fixed meanings and hierarchies, revealing the openness and complexity of language and texts. It invites readers and thinkers to question their assumptions and engage with the inherent complexities and ambiguities of language and thought.

How to deconstruct a text?

Deconstructing a text involves critically analyzing the text to reveal and challenge the assumptions, binary oppositions, and fixed meanings within it. To do this, read the text closely, identify binary pairs, examine language and wordplay, look for contradictions and ambiguities, consider historical and cultural contexts, question the authority of the author, explore multiple interpretations, engage with secondary sources, reflect on your assumptions, and write a deconstructive analysis. The goal is to expose the complexities and open up new possibilities of meaning within the text.

Example of a post-structuralist critic:

Coca-Cola Advertisement

The Coca-Cola advertisement by considering the play of language and symbols. The text's catchy slogans, like "Taste the Feeling," evoke multiple meanings, not limited to the actual taste of the drink but also emotions and experiences associated with it. I'd deconstruct the binary opposition between the advertised product and its representation, recognizing the complexities of commodification and consumer culture.

The advertisement's use of imagery, colors, and sounds would be examined, as they contribute to constructing meaning and desires in the viewer's mind. I'd question the authority of the brand and its attempt to construct a fixed identity and lifestyle for consumers. By looking at how the advertisement targets different demographics and cultural contexts, I'd explore the power dynamics involved in shaping consumer choices.

iPhone Advertisement

The iPhone advertisement by examining the language and images used to construct meanings. The text's slogans and catchphrases, such as "The future is here" or "Innovation at your fingertips," evoke multiple associations, beyond the mere technological features of the device.

Deconstruct the binary opposition between the advertised product and its representation, recognizing how the advertisement constructs desire and creates a sense of need for the latest technology. The use of sleek visuals and modern aesthetics contributes to the creation of an idealized lifestyle associated with the product. I'd question the authority of the brand and its attempt to construct a fixed identity for consumers, as the advertisement targets different demographics and cultural contexts. By exploring the power dynamics of consumerism and advertising strategies, I'd reveal how the text shapes consumer choices and desires.

Inception (Film)

"Inception" by exploring the fluidity of meanings within the dream worlds depicted in the film. The binary oppositions between reality and dreams, truth and illusion, are deconstructed, as the narrative blurs the lines between them. The play of symbols and recurring motifs, such as the spinning top, adds to the layers of interpretation.

The authority of the film's characters and their perceptions, as they navigate through different levels of consciousness. The film's exploration of memory, identity, and subjectivity highlights the complexities of human experience and the construction of reality. The concept of the "inception" itself challenges fixed notions of control and influence, as dreams and subconscious desires intersect with external influences.

Through analyzing the film's non-linear storytelling and its ambiguous ending, I'd emphasize the openness of interpretation, where viewers are encouraged to engage actively in constructing meaning. "Inception" can be seen as a text that embodies post-structuralist themes, encouraging viewers to question the stability of reality and the multiplicity of subjective experiences.

"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost

Approaching "The Road Not Taken" as a post-structuralist critic involves deconstructing the binary oppositions between the two roads, revealing their interdependence. The narrator's reflection on past choices challenges fixed interpretations, emphasizing the play of memory. Language's multiplicity is evident in the paths' metaphorical meanings. 

The poem's popularity and misinterpretations underscore its contextual influence on meaning. Ultimately, it invites readers to question fixed interpretations and embrace the poem's fluidity.

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Thank you for visiting and reading..

Crime and Punishment by R K Narayan

Welcome to my blog,

This blog is part of our study. This Thinking activity is based on Crime and Punishment A Short Story by R K Narayan and was assigned by Megha Ma'am Department of English MKBU. In this task, we have to give responses to some questions through this task.

R.K.Narayan

R.K. Narayan, whose full name was Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami, was one of India's most celebrated and beloved English-language writers. He was born on October 10, 1906, in Madras (now Chennai), India, and he passed away on May 13, 2001, in Chennai.

Narayan's writing career began with the publication of his first novel, "Swami and Friends," in 1935. This marked the beginning of a long and successful literary journey. He went on to write numerous novels, short stories, and essays, capturing the essence of life in small Indian towns and creating a rich tapestry of characters and experiences.

His fictional town of Malgudi, though imaginary, became so vividly described in his works that it seemed like a real place to his readers. Narayan's writing style was simple, humorous, and filled with humanistic values. He often used satire to depict the social and cultural complexities of Indian society.

Some of his most famous works include "The Bachelor of Arts," "The English Teacher," "The Guide," "Malgudi Days," and "The Vendor of Sweets." His novel "The Guide" won him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960. Narayan's works received widespread acclaim both in India and internationally, making him a prominent figure in Indian literature in English. 

Crime and Punishment

The story is set in an Indian background. The teacher, purely out of monetary benefits, takes tuition, to a clever and naughty child, of rich and educated parents.

The parents want the boy to secure a double promotion but at the same time want him to be taught in their line of child psychology. They do not favour corporal punishment. They lecture to the teacher their views on infant psychology every evening. It seemed to the teacher that the boy was made of thin glass.

According to the parents, the boy was a little angel, all dimples, smiles, and sweetness – only wings lacking. But the teacher was convinced that he was in charge of a little gorilla and what needed to make the youngster a normal citizen was not cajoling but an anna-worth cane.

One day the teacher slaps the boy in a fit of anger when he failed to answer a simple question, even after repeated correction. The teacher thought that the boy was trying to fool him.

When the boy threatened to tell his parents about it, the teacher was horrified. He tries to pacify the boy. The boy takes the opportunity and blackmails the teacher. He makes the teacher close the lessons for the day, makes him the station master, tells him stories, and at the end makes him run around the garden thrice.

When the parents appear, the teacher decided to tell the truth and take the punishment. But when the father asks about the preparation for the test, the boy pleads with his eyes not to betray him. The teacher saves the boy by saying that he was doing well in the examination. He also hopes that the boy would not betray him.

R K Narayan mingles humor, sarcasm, irony, and a serious undertone in his story. He portrays his characters, in a vivid and realistic manner, and they seem to spring up from the society around us. The hopes and dreams of the parents, the poverty of the schoolmaster which makes him take tuition class after six hours of working in the school, the mischievous nature of the boy, the silly mistakes that they commit, the dilemma the teacher faces, the predicament of the boy at the end, all are finely woven together.

The story highlights the truth that over-caring and over-parenting spoil the child. It proves the old saying, “Spare the rod and spoil the child”.

Exploring the dynamic roles of Teacher and student in Crime and Punishment by R.K. Narayan

Characters

In this Short Story, there are also two main characters:

1. Teacher

The teacher in R K Narayan’s story “Crime and Punishment”, is a symbol of traditional teachers in the Indian States of South India. He does six hours of teaching in the school during the day but his poverty forced him to take tuition to a mischievous boy of rich parents for thirty rupees a month. He had to teach the boy three hours every evening and listen to the child's psychological theories of the parents and pretend that he agreed with them. In his heart, he knew that he was in charge of a little gorilla and not the little angel in the opinion of the parents. He was prepared to advance the ana for buying the cane which was all that needed to make the boy a normal citizen. 

The teacher commits the crime of slapping the boy and suffers the punishment of suffering the boy’s blackmail. The boy takes the situation in hand and makes teacher dance to his tune. At first the boy made his stop the lessons for the day and then made him the stationmaster. When the train stopped moving, he had to tell the boy stories. At the end the boy made him run around the garden thrice. However, he saves the boy from the parents and hopes that the boy would not betray him.

2. Student

In the story you described, the student's character appears to be mischievous, clever, and somewhat manipulative. He comes from a wealthy and educated family and is described as an "angel" by his parents, who view him as adorable and innocent. However, the teacher, who spends time teaching the boy as a private tutor, has a different perception of him.

The story sheds light on the complex dynamics between a teacher and student, exploring the power struggles and challenges that can arise in such relationships, especially when there are conflicting parenting styles and expectations from the student. It also highlights the consequences of overindulgence and over-caring by parents, which may lead to a child's misbehavior and a lack of discipline.

Examples

"Matilda" Movie and Novel

"Matilda" (1996) - Based on Roald Dahl's novel, this movie follows a young girl with telekinetic powers who must navigate a difficult family and school life. 

It explores themes of resilience, intellectual curiosity, and the importance of supportive teachers.

Dead Poets Society

"Dead Poets Society" (1989) - This film portrays the relationship between an English teacher and his students at a conservative all-boys preparatory school. 

It delves into themes of inspiration, individuality, and the impact of a teacher on students' lives.

Taare Zameen Par

"Taare Zameen Par" (2007) - Directed by Aamir Khan, the film tells the story of a dyslexic child named Ishaan and his struggles at school until a compassionate art teacher recognizes his talents and helps him overcome his learning difficulties.

"Taare Zameen Par" is a heartwarming short movie about Ishaan, an 8-year-old boy with dyslexia who struggles with academics. A compassionate art teacher, Mr. Nikumbh, recognizes his potential and helps him find confidence through art. The movie celebrates the importance of understanding and nurturing the unique talents of every child.

The short movie leaves viewers inspired and moved, underscoring the idea that every child is special and has the potential to shine bright like stars (Taare) on Earth (Zameen Par).

Hichki

"Hichki" (2018) - The film follows a woman with Tourette syndrome who becomes a teacher and faces challenges in gaining the acceptance and respect of her students.

The story of "Hichki" revolves around Naina Mathur (Rani Mukerji), a woman with Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive and involuntary movements or vocalizations known as tics. Despite facing numerous rejections in job interviews due to her condition, Naina is determined to become a teacher.

Finally, she gets an opportunity to fulfill her dream and starts teaching at St. Notker's School, which is known for its unruly and mischievous students. The school staff and students initially struggle to accept her because of her condition, but Naina's persistence and dedication eventually win them over.

"Hichki" delivers a heartwarming and inspiring message about the importance of inclusivity and understanding in education, celebrating diversity and embracing differences.

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An Astrologer’s Day by R K Narayan

Welcome to my blog,

This blog is part of our study. This Thinking activity is based on  An Astrologer’s Day A Short Story by R K Narayan and was assigned by Megha Ma'am Department of English MKBU. 

R.K. Narayan

R.K. Narayan, whose full name was Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami, was one of India's most celebrated and beloved English-language writers. He was born on October 10, 1906, in Madras, India, and he passed away on May 13, 2001, in Chennai.

Narayan's writing career began with the publication of his first novel, "Swami and Friends," in 1935. This marked the beginning of a long and successful literary journey. He went on to write numerous novels, short stories, and essays, capturing the essence of life in small Indian towns and creating a rich tapestry of characters and experiences.

His fictional town of Malgudi, though imaginary, became so vividly described in his works that it seemed like a real place to his readers. Narayan's writing style was simple, humorous, and filled with humanistic values. He often used satire to depict the social and cultural complexities of Indian society.

Some of his most famous works include "The Bachelor of Arts," "The English Teacher," "The Guide," "Malgudi Days," and "The Vendor of Sweets." His novel "The Guide" won him the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960.

An Astrologer's Day

"An Astrologer's Day" is a short story written by Indian author R.K. Narayan. It was first published in 1947 as part of his collection of short stories titled "Malgudi Days." The story is set in the fictional town of Malgudi, a place that features prominently in many of Narayan's works.

The plot revolves around an astrologer who sets up his modest business on a busy street in Malgudi. He poses as a knowledgeable astrologer and fortune-teller, using various props and tricks to impress his clients. One evening, as he is about to close his shop and head home, a stranger approaches him for a consultation.

This stranger turns out to be a man named Guru Nayak, who seems to be anxious and restless. The astrologer begins his usual routine, making vague predictions to satisfy the customer. However, during the course of their conversation, Guru Nayak reveals that he is looking for someone.

The astrologer starts to feel uneasy when he learns that Guru Nayak is searching for a man who once tried to kill him by pushing him into a well. The astrologer realizes that he is the one Guru Nayak is seeking, and he becomes terrified.

In a desperate attempt to save himself, the astrologer tries to convince Guru Nayak that he is not the person he is looking for. He tells him that he is just an ordinary astrologer and that there must be some misunderstanding. Despite the astrologer's efforts, Guru Nayak remains convinced that the astrologer is indeed the man he wants.

Just as the situation becomes tense and the astrologer fears for his life, a passerby intervenes and reveals the truth. It turns out that Guru Nayak is mistaken, and the person he is looking for is not the astrologer after all. The real culprit is someone else, and the astrologer is relieved to be free from the threat. The story ends with the astrologer feeling grateful for the stranger's intervention and realizing the unpredictability of fate. It also explores themes of deception, mistaken identities, and the complexities of human nature.

Here is the Video of An Astrologer's Day - Hindi Short Film on Youtube:

How faithful is the movie to the original short story?

There may be some differences between the original short story and the movie version. These differences can vary in terms of plot elements, character portrayals, pacing, and overall interpretation of the story. But this video is very similar to the original story. And this video is also very important and easy to understand the original story.

After watching the movie, have your perception about the short story, characters, or situations changed?

Yes, after watching this short video my perspective on a story and, its characters compared by me to the original written work. The ending scene of the story and the video both have some differences. In the story, the main character's last dialogue was not in detail but in the video, he tells his wife very perfectly. And in the story and video characters' looks and talking styles are also different.

Do you feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the movie? If yes, exactly when did it happen? If no, can you explain with reasons?

Yes, I feel ‘aesthetic delight’ while watching the Scene when the main character saw the Gurunayak in the lighting of the matchstick and he recognized him. 

Does screening of movie help you better understanding of the short story? 

Yes, If you've read the short story and are interested in watching a movie adaptation, it can be an enjoyable and informative experience to compare how the filmmakers translated the written work into a visual form. and movies are easily understood by us.

Was there any particular scene or moment in the story that you think was perfect?

Yes, The main character saw the Gurunayak in the lighting of the matchstick and he recognized him. and also when Gurunayak Saw his bare chest shows the scar of the main character by his knife.

If you are the director, what changes would you like to make in the remaking of the movie based on the short story “An Astrologer’s Day” by R.K. Narayan?

This story and movie adaptation both are very good. But if I'm a director of a movie I change Character Depth, Expand the Setting, some Flashbacks, Original Ending. 

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