postcolonial

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Relating to the time, culture, or politics of a country after it has become independent from colonial rule.

   Grammar: Usually comes before a noun: postcolonial literature, a postcolonial state.

   Patterns

   • postcolonial literature
   • postcolonial society
   • postcolonial theory

   The course examines postcolonial literature from Africa and South Asia.

   Many postcolonial states struggled to build stable economies after independence.

   Her research focuses on postcolonial identity in the Caribbean.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Belonging to the academic field that studies the lasting effects of colonialism on culture and identity.

   Grammar: Used mainly in academic contexts, often before 'studies' or 'theory'.

   Patterns

   • postcolonial studies
   • postcolonial theory
   • postcolonial criticism

   She teaches a graduate seminar in postcolonial studies.

   Postcolonial theory helps us understand how colonial power shapes language today.

   The journal publishes work in postcolonial criticism.

Common combinations

postcolonial literature

Chinua Achebe is a key figure in postcolonial literature.

postcolonial state

The postcolonial state faced pressure from former colonial powers.

postcolonial theory

Edward Said's work is foundational to postcolonial theory.

postcolonial identity

The novel explores postcolonial identity through the eyes of a young girl.

Synonyms and how they differ

Opposites

Word family

postcolonialism noun

The condition or study of life after colonial rule.

postcolonialist noun

A scholar or supporter of postcolonial ideas.

Commonly confused: postcolonial or neocolonial?

Practice

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