postcolonialism

[poʊst-kə-ˈloʊ-nē-ə-ˌli-zəm]
nounpl: postcolonialisms
pós-colonialismo
1. A theoretical approach and academic field that examines the political, cultural, and economic effects of colonialism and imperialism on colonized societies and peoples, particularly after independence.
Postcolonialism explores how colonial powers shaped the identities and institutions of formerly colonized nations.
O pós-colonialismo explora como as potências coloniais moldaram as identidades e instituições das nações anteriormente colonizadas.
2. The historical period following the formal end of colonial rule in a country or region.
The postcolonialism era in Africa saw rapid social and political transformation.
A era do pós-colonialismo na África testemunhou rápida transformação social e política.
3. A critical perspective that challenges Western intellectual dominance and centers the voices and experiences of colonized and formerly colonized peoples.
Postcolonialism in literary studies emphasizes the works of authors from the Global South.
O pós-colonialismo nos estudos literários enfatiza as obras de autores do Sul Global.
Postcolonialism is a significant academic field in both Brazilian and Portuguese universities, particularly relevant to understanding the complex relationships between Portugal and its former colonies (Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, etc.), and between colonized nations and their former colonizers. In Brazilian academic discourse, it intersects with discussions of race, identity, and the legacy of slavery and colonial exploitation. The term gained prominence in the 1980s-1990s with theorists like Edward Said, Gayatri Spivak, and Homi Bhabha.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
post-colonial studiesdecolonizationanti-colonialismpostcolonial theory
Antonyms / Antônimos
colonialismimperialismcolonization

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
pós-colonialismo
Standard academic term used in universities and critical theory contexts
Portugal
pós-colonialismo
Used in academic discussions about Portuguese colonial history and its aftermath
Angola/Mozambique
pós-colonialismo
Highly relevant term in lusophone African nations discussing decolonization effects

Related Words

decolonizecolonialcolonizedempirehegemonysubalterncultural imperialismpostcolonial literature

Related Idioms & Phrases

breaking free from colonial legacies
decolonizing the mind
challenging the colonial narrative
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