The difference between the synchronous and asynchronous concepts is often confusing.

The difference between the synchronous and diachronic concepts (pixabay)

YOGYAKARTA - The difference between the concept of synchronicity and diachronic is often a confusing topic, especially in learning history. Both have different ways of looking at analyzing events, so it is important to understand so as not to apply them incorrectly.

By having a proper understanding of synchronic and diachronic, it will help to see events in a more in-depth way. This method is not only useful in history lessons, but also trains a critical mindset in understanding the cause-and-effect relationship in everyday life.

The difference between the synchronous and diacronic concepts of

Quoted from The Wittgenstein Archives at the University of Bergen (WAB) website, the terms synchronous and diachronic were originally taken from linguistics. Synchronous means seeing something at a certain time, while diachronic means seeing changes or developments of something over time.

In philosophy, there is a debate about whether the two are really different. Because, every object or event is actually always identical to itself at a certain time (or called 'synchronous'). Even objects that last a long time will still be the same as themselves.

Therefore, some experts assess that the diakronic identity only describes the continuity or resistance of an object through changes. At least there are three views on this, including

Substance: the object remains the same despite changing. Strong series: the object consists of a series of moments but remains the same. Weak series: the object is only a temporary series of moments without absolute identity.

In conclusion, many philosophers argue that the difference between the two is more of a theoretical concept than a reality.

Complementing and Being Opposed to Each Other

Meanwhile, Craig Stroupe, a professor from the University of Minnesota Duluth explained that Diachronis and synchronous are two logics in ordering, giving meaning, and expressing something. The two can be opposite each other, but also often complement each other.

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Diachronically follows the sequential logic, like the path we take. The principle is what comes after what. That is, he relies on the sequence of cause and effect, finds the meaning of the flow and sequence of events, and creates a sense of anticipation to satisfaction when reaching a certain point. For example, the arrangement of individuals in the family tree is arranged diachronically.

Meanwhile, synchronicity works with all-at-once logic, like being in a pool full of people and objects. The principle is what is related to what.

This means that synchronicity relies on associative relationships that are not sequential, seeking meaning from proximity, contrast, similarity, or hierarchy. For example, a company's organizational chart will be arranged synchronously.

In practice, the two are often combined. Like a unicycle that also does juggling, a narrative can combine anachronistic logic in the storyline with a synchronous pattern through symbols, themes, or motifs.

Ferdinand de Saussure first introduced this distinction in Course in General Linguistics (1916). Although originally used to analyze language, this concept can now also be applied in understanding various phenomena outside linguistics.

Thus, understanding the difference between the concepts of synchronic and diachronic helps us to see an event or phenomenon from two complementary points of view.

Synchronic highlights the connectedness at one moment, while diachronic traces the changes over time. In various fields, the two can be combined to get a more complete picture, both in history, language, and cultural studies.

If you can master these two approaches, you will not only be able to read the flow of events, but also understand the patterns and interrelationships that shape them.

In the end, synchronistic and diachronistic are not just theories, but relevant analytical tools in real life.

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