Networks


 * A Social and Periodic Analysis of the word “Network” **
 * By Christopher Poff **

Sarah Flaherty, in a conversation about scholastic connections, once said, “I network like a boss through both social and personal networking techniques” (Flaherty, 2013). Sarah is referring to a popular social network website, Facebook, and the idea of expanding one’s connections through interpersonal communication. These are more modern uses of the word network. The word network has been used to describe many different ideas and objects throughout history. From its inception to its current uses, the word network has changed. Technology and human progress have adapted the definition of the word network over time, from a material object to a broad concept, but the primary idea of the word has remained the same.

The word network was first used in 1530 to describe, “a work in which threads or wires are crossed or interlaced in the fashion of a net” (Network [Def. 1], OED online). This definition takes the word network and breaks it apart into its literal meanings of “net” and “work.” A net is, from the Old Frisian word net, “a piece of openwork fabric made of twine, synthetic fibres, strong cord, etc., forming meshes of a suitable size, used for catching fish, birds, or other living things” (Net [Def. 1], OED online). Work is, from the Old English, Frisian, and Saxon word woerc, “something that is or was done; what a person does or did; an act, deed, proceeding, business; actions, or doings (often collectively)” (Work [Def. 1], OED online). The individual parts that make up a network, in this case the “threads or wires,” are combined in an interconnected way that makes them greater than they are to begin with (Network [Def. 1], OED online). Each individual thread is weak on it’s own, but when combined with other threads in a certain way, the threads share the stress of whatever pressure they are put under and can handle more than they ever could individually.

Though many of the early uses of the word network maintained the idea of material structures interwoven like a net, later definitions expanded on the “interconnected” theme of the word. Through this, the idea of a network has remained relatively similar to its inception, but the application has changed over the years. The Oxford English Dictionary online defines the word network, in its more modern meaning, by the 1817 definition, which states that a network is “a chain or system of interconnected immaterial things” (Network [Def. 3], OED online). This definition allows for the expansion of the word into different categories beyond material structures that take a form similar to a net. Modern applications include broadcasting networks (both television and radio), electrical networks, computing networks, social networking, and much more. The technological applications of the word network are the primary source of the different adaptations of the word.

Social networks are websites where people can stay connected with each other over the Internet. Social networks are used all over the world. This shows how universally the word network has been translated. In some translations, the word network also means chain, link, connection, circuit, and many other synonyms. All of these translations, from the material chain to the idea of a social network, share the idea of a collection of individuals working for a common purpose. In the case of a chain, the application of this idea is clear, as an individual link could not do much on its own while many connected links can move and pull large objects. Social networks include all of the individuals who participate working towards the common goal of staying connected and updated with their friends and acquaintances. Groups can share a definition of network because groups, like networks, are “a representation of interconnected people” who are working together in order to “work efficiently” (Network, 2002). The New Oxford American Dictionary defines network as “a group or system of interconnected people or things” (Abate & Jewell, 2001, p, 1150). Groups could be referred to as a network of “interconnected individuals” with a common task or goal (Network [Def. 5], OED online). Groups share information and make collective decisions so that they are working in the most efficient way possible. In this sense, groups take on the first definition of the word network because the amount of work that is dedicated to a group process is, by far, too much for a single person to try to take on alone. It is only by sharing the burden of the work that the task gets done quickly and efficiently. People, in general, live in groups as opposed to completely solitary lifestyles. Thus people apply the principles of the word network through networking, meaning that they meet new people to expand their personal experiences and influences.

Networking among individuals was the primary source of the change in application of the word network. As long as there are individuals, whether the individuals are people or inanimate objects, that are combined and working to serve a common purpose, the idea of a network should remain relatively unchanged in the future. The concept of networking, both through personal connections and online, has changed how people interact in the world. Leadership in the world today often relies on the idea of networking between groups of people, showing that the transformation of the meaning of the word network over the years has had wide implications on the world as a whole.

Works Cited

Abate, F. R., & Jewell, E. (2001). Network. In The new Oxford American dictionary (p. 1150). New York: Oxford University Press. Flaherty S. N. (2013, September 30). Networks [Personal interview]. Net [Def. 1]. (n.d.). In Oxford English Dictionary Online, Retrieved September 30, 2013, from http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/126280#eid34637325. Network [Def. 1]. (n.d.). In Oxford English Dictionary Online, Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/126342?rskey=bRs9ld&result=1&isAdvanced=false#eid. Network [Def. 3]. (n.d.). In Oxford English Dictionary Online, Retrieved September 12, 2013, from http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/126342?rskey=bRs9ld&result=1&isAdvanced=false#eid. Network [Def. 5]. (n.d.). In Oxford English Dictionary Online, Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/126342?rskey=bRs9ld&result=1&isAdvanced=false#eid. Network. (2002). In The shorter Oxford English Dictionary: On historical principles. (5th ed., Vol. 2, N-Z, p. 1910). [S.l.]: Oxford University Press. <span style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,non-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 2em;">Work [Def. 1]. (n.d.). In Oxford English Dictionary Online, Retrieved September 30, 2013, from http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/230216#eid13817090.