Abstract
The principle of minimization of dependency distance (DD) can reduce the working memory burden of language speakers, that is, reduce the cognitive burden during the communication process. This investigation demonstrated the dependency distance (based on the dependency grammar) minimization principle from a diachronic perspective in two text types of magazines and news with inspection indicators of mean dependency distance (MDD) and normalized dependency distance (NDD). This research revealed a fluctuation tendency around a certain axis concerning diachronic dependency distance variation. This research also indicated that news text balances language complexity and communication efficiency better than magazine text.