학술지 『새한영어영문학』의 50년(1973-2022): 논문 제목에 나타난 연구의 지형과 변화 양상

Abstract

This study employs network analysis, a digital humanities methodology, to examine the thematic development and research trends in the New Korean Journal of English Language and Literature over the past 50 years (1973–2022). Focusing on the titles of 1,453 articles, the research constructs co-occurrence networks to identify key themes and their interconnections, revealing the dynamic evolution of English studies in Korea. This essay reveals that linguistic studies consistently revolve around “English,” with growing emphasis on applied linguistics and educational applications. On the other hand, literary studies have shifted from early genre-focused research to addressing broader social and cultural issues, including feminism and political discourses. We demonstrate the value of network analysis in grasping the complex relationships and structural transformations within academic disciplines. By complementing traditional qualitative approaches, the analysis provides deeper insights into how research themes emerge, interact, and evolve over time. Our study illuminates the historical and intellectual trajectories of Korean English studies and suggests computational methodology for future research. This approach offers a replicable framework for exploring thematic trends across other academic fields, advancing the scope of digital humanities in scholarly inquiry.