Synchronic vs. Diachronic

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Synchronic means belonging to what is represented or simultaneous. Also what the transition of the time is considered irrelevant; diachronic, on the other hand, means belonging to that which changes over time.

For example, if the US Congress is currently in session. We could explore this fact, both in the light of the story that led to this event, and we can abstract from this story and look at what is happening in Congress at that moment (the word abstraction is made up of two Greek words meaning to separate something from).

Diachronic research examines its object in the light of its history as something moving through time. In contrast, synchronic learning views its object as a system operating or functioning in the present.

Diachronic research draws us into history, into the process by which differences complement each other successfully; on the other hand, synchronic examination separates us from history into a system in which differences work simultaneously.

Let’s go back to the given example:
To think about the different forms of government that led to today’s Congress, then to think about the different forces fighting for supremacy at the same time during the current session of Congress.

The first is diachronic, the second is synchronic.

 

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