1) What do “text” and “technology” mean to me?

I would define “Text” as anything written in any medium. Regardless of how the writing is produced, any meaningful language, whether symbols or words, is text.

I would define “Technology” as machines or tools made to help make work easier to complete, whether as simple as scissors to help cut or as complex as a telescope to look at the stars.

3) OED formal definitions and etymology

The OED defines “Text” as “The wording of anything written or printed; the structure formed by the words in their order; the very words, phrases, and sentences as written.” This word originated in 1369. Some words it shares a root with are “textlet: a short text”, “textour: a weaver”, and “textual: of a person: Well acquainted with ‘texts’ or authors; well-read; literally exact in giving the text.”

The OED defines “Technology” as “A discourse or treatise on an art or arts; esp. (in later use) a treatise on a practical art or craft. Obsolete.” This word originated in 1612. Some words it shares a root with are “technological: Belonging to or according with the terminology, techniques, or methodology of a particular branch of knowledge, or (later) a particular technology; technical. Now rare.”, “technologist: A person who studies or specializes in technology.”, and “technonomy: The study of the practical application of technology and technologies and the principles which can be deduced from this.”

4) Usage of terms according to Google Ngram

Use of the word “text” has consistently been higher than “technology”, with both having an initial peak in the 1500s, before returning to prominence and their highest usages since 1950.

5) What does the etymology of these words suggest about their inherent meanings?

For “text”, the etymology suggests the inherent meaning as the telling of ones story or experience, while for “technology”, the etymology suggests things that are not human.

What, for example, does textiles have to do with text?

Textiles would relate to text in the sense that it is a woven fabric while text could be considered a weaving of letters and words.

How is technology related to text?

Technology relates to text in how text can be produced and distributed. As technology advances, the way text is produced and distributed changes. For example, much text is now on computers and being types out, rather than handwritten.

What does teche (teaching) have to do with technology?

Teche (teaching) is required to make best use of technology.

How has the usage of these terms evolved over the centuries? Consider, for example, how the term technology is used at present by ministries or departments of education. Consider also why many scholars and performers speak of performance (dramatic, filmic, and so on), graphic art, etc., as “text.”

Technology was originally used to describe arts and sciences out of human capability, while now we use it to describe those same machines, but in a way, we are more in control of technology now. This newfound seeming control is why we have ministries of technology and technology departments that decide how we will use technology to our advantage. Text was originally used for people to tell their stories and experiences, so the way it has changed now is the stories aren’t limited to just being written, but can instead by told through performance or art.

Can you identify historical events that might have influenced changes in the usage of these terms over time as evidenced in the Google Ngram search?

The industrial revolution created an initial increase in the use of “text” after 1750. The major event in 1950 that triggered an increase in the usage of both terms may have been the Korean War, as weapons for war would have been considered new technology.