What does decolonisation mean?
Decolonisation is the process of removing the influence of colonialism, especially in a country or region that has been colonized. This can involve the transfer of power from a colonial power to the local population, as well as the dismantling of colonial institutions and systems. Decolonisation can be a gradual process that takes several decades to complete, and it often involves a combination of political, economic, and social changes. The process of decolonisation can be complex and challenging, but it is often necessary for a country or region to achieve true independence and self-determination. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of decolonisation, and many countries and regions are actively working to remove the legacy of colonialism and promote greater autonomy and self-governance. Overall, decolonisation is a critical process that can have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities around the world.
noun
The process of removing the influence of colonialism, especially in a country or region that has been colonized. This can involve the transfer of power from a colonial power to the local population, as well as the dismantling of colonial institutions and systems.
- 1. The process of removing the influence of colonialism, especially in a country or region that has been colonized.
"The country's decolonisation was a gradual process that took several decades to complete."
"The country's decolonisation was a gradual process that took several decades to complete."
"The university's decolonisation efforts included the removal of colonial-era statues and the establishment of a new curriculum that focused on the history and culture of the local population."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of decolonisation
The word 'decolonisation' is derived from the Latin words 'de' meaning 'from' and 'colonia' meaning 'colony'. It is related to the word 'colonisation', which refers to the process of establishing a colony. The term 'decolonisation' was first used in the mid-20th century to describe the process of removing the influence of colonialism in countries and regions that had been colonized.
Usage notes
Decolonisation is often used in academic and political contexts to describe the process of removing the influence of colonialism. It can also be used in more general contexts to describe the process of promoting greater autonomy and self-governance in a country or region. The term 'decolonisation' is often used interchangeably with the term 'decolonization', although some scholars and activists prefer to use the latter term to emphasize the importance of decolonisation as a process of liberation and self-determination.