"Postcolonial" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Postcolonial" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers

Postcolonial

"Postcolonial" Meaning

Postcolonial refers to the period of time after a country has gained independence from colonial rule, which was imposed by a more powerful country. It also refers to the cultural, social, and literary movements that emerged after decolonization.

In a broader sense, postcolonialism encompasses the ongoing effects of colonialism on the colonized countries and their cultures, as well as the attempts of these countries to establish their own identities, traditions, and narratives.

Key aspects of postcolonialism include:

1. Resistance to colonialism and the colonial legacy
2. Celebration of local cultures and traditions
3. Critique of Western superiority and cultural imperialism
4. Exploration of identity, citizenship, and belonging
5. Questioning of power dynamics and inequalities
6. Creation of alternative narratives and histories

Postcolonial studies and literature often focus on the experiences of colonized people, exploring themes such as:

The impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures
Resistance and struggle for independence
Identity formation and cultural hybridity
Power dynamics and inequality
Social justice and human rights

Famous postcolonial authors include:

Salman Rushdie
Chinua Achebe
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Toni Morrison
Ngugi wa Thiong'o
Salman Rushdie (again!)

The prefix "post-" means "after" or "beyond", and colon is short for "colonialism". The term postcolonialism is often used interchangeably with postcolonial studies, postcolonial literature, or postcolonial theory.

"Postcolonial" Examples

1. Establishing Cultural Identity and Resistance

In her seminal work "The Postcolonial Studies Reader," Bill Ashcroft highlights the complexities of postcolonialism, suggesting that the former colonies are no longer subject to colonial rule but still continue to grapple with the cultural and social impacts of colonization.

2. Literary Representation and Critical Theory

Postcolonial literature serves as a platform for the voices and experiences of the colonized, providing a counter-narrative to the dominant colonial discourse. For example, the works of Salman Rushdie and Chinua Achebe offer powerful illustrations of the complexities of postcolonial experience.

3. Economical Repercussions of Colonial Legacy

The postcolonial era has seen significant challenges in economic development for many countries. The structural disadvantages imposed during the colonial era, such as exploiting resources and suppressing local industries, continue to hinder economic growth in many postcolonial nations.

4. Hybridity and Cultural Exchange

In the aftermath of colonialism, cultural practices and values often show signs of blending as a result of the encounter between European colonial powers and the colonized societies. For example, the adoption of Western languages and customs in formerly colonized nations illustrates the theme of postcolonial hybridity.

5. Decolonization and Self-Governance

The transition from colonial to postcolonial governance entails a significant shift from external rule to self-governance. This shift is marked by a struggle for political independence and the establishment of sovereign nation-states that reflect the interests and values of the indigenous populations rather than foreign powers.

"Postcolonial" Similar Words

Postaural

Located or occurring after the ear.

Postauricular

Located behind the ear.

Postbox

Postcapillary

A term in histology and the vasculature, usually referring to the vessels that lie distal to the capillaries, typically capillaries are postcapillary venules and sometimes even small veins. In essence, postcapillary refers to structures that come after capillaries in the sequence of vasculature, often implying a region where lymphocytes interact with the endothelium or other cell types.

Postcards

A postcard is a small card, typically with a picture or image on one side, that is sent through the mail to communicate a brief message from one person to another. It usually includes the address of the sender and the recipient and is used for informal or casual communication, such as announcing a vacation or a visit, to express gratitude or sympathy, or to share a special moment or event.

Postcava

The posterior vena cava (PCV) is a large vein that returns deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium of the heart.

Postcode

A postcode, also known as a post code or zip code, is a series of letters and/or numbers used to identify a specific location, usually for postal mail delivery. It is a unique code that reflects a specific geographic area, often a street, region, or city. The purpose of a postcode is to help expedite the sorting and delivery of mail and packages, as well as to assist in the efficient operation of postal services. The word "postcode" is often used interchangeably with "zip code," although the term may vary by country or region.

Postcoital

The term "postcoital" refers to the period after sexual intercourse or coitus. It can be used to describe the physical, emotional, or psychological state of an individual in the aftermath of sex. In scientific or medical contexts, it can also be used in relation to physiological changes, such as changes in heart rate, body temperature, or hormone levels, that occur following sexual activity. In a broader sense, "postcoital" is used to describe any aspect that happens after sex, including various biological, emotional, or psychological responses, such as: 1. Hormonal changes: Hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and vasopressin may surge after sex, influencing mood and bonding. 2. Physical sensations: Postcoital fatigue, a sense of relaxation, or the occurrence of mild cramps or afterpains for some individuals, particularly in women, following orgasm. 3. Bonding and connection: The afterglow of emotional intimacy and the feelings of affection or connection that may last longer than the physical act of sexual intercourse itself. 4. Biological conception: This aspect is particularly relevant when talking about conception, as it involves the possible fertilization of an egg after sexual intercourse, leading to pregnancy. In summary, "postcoital" is a term used to describe any aspect that occurs subsequent to sexual intercourse, encompassing both physical, emotional, and psychological changes that happen after sex.

Postcolonialism

Postcolonialism refers to a complex and multifaceted intellectual and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in response to the legacy of colonialism and imperialism. The term "postcolonial" describes the period after the end of colonial rule and the dissolution of colonial empires. Postcolonialism is more than just a reaction to colonialism; it is an attempt to understand and critique the cultural, political, economic, and social effects of colonialism, as well as to explore the ways in which colonized people have resisted and negotiated the power structures set up by their colonizers. Key features of postcolonialism include: 1. Rejection of Eurocentrism: A challenge to the idea that Western culture and knowledge are superior to others, and a recognition of the importance of non-Western perspectives and experiences. 2. Critique of Imperialism: An examination of the ways in which colonial powers sought to impose their dominance over colonized societies, Cultural control, economic exploitation, etc. 3. Empowerment of Marginalized Voices: Amplifying the voices and perspectives of those who were marginalized and silenced by colonialism, including women, indigenous peoples, and other minority groups. 4. Decentering Western Metanarratives: Challenging the dominant Western narrative of progress and human history, and celebrating the diversity and multiplicity of cultural experiences. 5. Praxis of Resistance: Examining the various ways in which colonialism has been resisted, subverted, and transformed by colonized peoples, including violent resistance, passive resistance, and cultural production. Postcolonialism involves a range of disciplines, including literature, history, anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, and philosophy, and has influenced a wide range of fields, from literary criticism and media studies to international relations and global governance. Key figures associated with postcolonialism include Edward Said, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Homi K. Bhabha, Frantz Fanon, and Antonio Gramsci, among many others.

Postcranial

Referring to the parts of an animal's anatomy that are below the skull. This includes the skeleton from the rib cage down to the tail. It is opposed to the cranium or the skull, which is the part of the skeleton that houses the brain.

Postcricoid

The postcricoid is the region of the larynx (voice box) located behind the cricoid cartilage. It is a muscular area that plays a crucial role in the process of swallowing (debuccalating) and phonation (producing sound). In anatomy, the postcricoid area is bounded by the cricoid cartilage posteriorly (behind) and the arytenoid cartilages and thyropharyngeus muscle anteriorly (in front). It is a slit-like passage through which food passes during swallowing and through which air passes to produce sound. The postcricoid area is significant in medical diagnosis, particularly in the assessment of laryngeal disorders and diseases that affect voice production, swallowing, and breathing.

Postdate

Postdated

A check or document dated later than the current date. Example: "He wrote a postdated check to ensure it wouldn't clear until after his holiday."

Postdiluvian

Difficulty of learning or revival of something that occurred after a major disaster (often, a flood).

Postdoctoral

A postdoctoral researcher or specialist is an individual who has completed a doctoral degree (such as a PhD or its equivalent) and is conducting additional research, typically with the aim of building on their expertise and gaining more experience in their field before becoming an independent researcher or applying for another academic tenure-track position.

Postdural

Postdural refers to something that occurs after or following the insertion of a catheter or needle into the spinal canal through the dura mater, which is a protective membrane surrounding the spinal cord. For example: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a type of headache that occurs after a dural puncture or the insertion of a spinal tap.