“Archives, records, and information: terms, concepts, and relationships across linguistic cultures” of Geoffrey Yeo

a commentary

Abstract

This article examines the evolving and complex relationships between core concepts in Archival and Information Sciences, as analyzed by Geoffrey Yeo in his paper, “Archives, Records, and Information: Terms, Concepts, and Relationships across Linguistic Cultures”. Yeo underscores the need for a historical and cross-cultural examination of terms such as archives and records to reveal conceptual nuances shaped by linguistic and cultural contexts. Highlighting his recent works, “Record-Making and Record-Keeping in Early Societies” (2021) and “Records, Information and Data: Exploring the Role of Record-Keeping in an Information Culture” (2018), the paper addresses challenges in mapping these terms across languages, emphasizing the gradual expansion of archival terminology and practices. Yeo’s approach sheds light on divergent interpretations across regions, advocating for more inclusive views that incorporate local archival traditions. In discussing the evolution of archives and records, he critiques modern Western influences, encouraging deeper consideration of non-Western perspectives. Moreover, the analysis of records as a distinct entity from documents raises questions about the ontological boundaries within archival studies, particularly in English-speaking traditions, as contrasted with Romance languages. This article also connects archival terminology with broader scientific discourses, specifically with Hispano-Lusophone vocabulary, reflecting on how contemporary shifts towards information governance, data management, and artificial intelligence are reshaping archival practices. Through this lens, Yeo calls for nuanced understandings of records and information to maintain their epistemic significance, especially amidst evolving digital environments. In this light, the paper provides a vital contribution to the field, encouraging ongoing dialogue about how cultural, linguistic, and technological factors inform archival science.