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Decolonizing: meaning, definitions and examples

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decolonizing

 

[ diːˈkɒlənaɪzɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

social movements

Decolonizing refers to the process of undoing the effects of colonization, which involves addressing and dismantling the political, economic, and cultural impacts that colonialism has had on indigenous peoples and their lands. This process often includes reclaiming cultural identities, repatriating land, and restoring sovereignty to native populations. In a broader context, it can also apply to deconstructing colonial narratives in education, literature, and history. Decolonizing seeks to achieve social justice and rectify historical wrongs.

Synonyms

liberating, reclaiming, uncolonizing

Examples of usage

  • The community focused on decolonizing its educational system.
  • Activists are advocating for decolonizing histories in schools.
  • Decolonizing is essential for healing and reconciliation.
  • The movement emphasizes the importance of decolonizing minds and spaces.

Translations

Translations of the word "decolonizing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descolonizando

🇮🇳 उपनिवेशीकरण

🇩🇪 Dekolonisierung

🇮🇩 dekolonisasi

🇺🇦 деколонізація

🇵🇱 dekolonizacja

🇯🇵 脱植民地化

🇫🇷 décolonisation

🇪🇸 descolonización

🇹🇷 sömürgecilikten kurtulma

🇰🇷 탈식민지화

🇸🇦 إزالة الاستعمار

🇨🇿 dekolonizace

🇸🇰 dekolonizácia

🇨🇳 去殖民化

🇸🇮 dekolonizacija

🇮🇸 afkolonisering

🇰🇿 деколонизация

🇬🇪 დეკოლონიზაცია

🇦🇿 dekolonizasiya

🇲🇽 descolonización

Etymology

The term 'decolonizing' originates from the word 'decolonize,' which first emerged in the mid-20th century as many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean began to gain independence from European colonial powers. The prefix 'de-' signifies removal or reversal, while 'colonize' comes from the Latin root 'colonia,' referring to the act of establishing settlements. As the consequences of colonialism became more apparent, the need to address these impacts led to the development of various methodologies and frameworks aimed at decolonizing social structures, knowledge systems, and practices. In recent decades, decolonization has evolved to include a focus on cultural revival and the restitution of rights and land to indigenous peoples worldwide, reflecting a growing recognition of indigenous perspectives and the need for restorative justice.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,529, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.