Colonial discourse is generally defined as discourse or communication that revolves around the phenomenon of colonialism. Some experts define it as a specific sort of statement or set of communications that is based on colonial relationships. Generally, colonial discourses reveal aspects of these relationships between a colonial or imperial power, and those included in the communities that it colonizes.
Experts point out that colonial discourse can occur on many different levels. Some of these are formal types of discourse, such as those included in bureaucratic documents or government policy proposals. Others are literary or social in nature. A novel that revolves around a colonized area could be said to include a kind of colonial discourse.
Generally, this field is supposed to inspire a deeper understanding of the colonial relationship. These colonial relationships vary widely based on the specific scenario. While some such discourse regards ongoing colonialization, other types of these sorts of conversations focus on historic colonialism, where the previously colonized areas have since obtained their own independence from a colonial power.
As a specific kind of category of communications, colonial discourses often studied in an academic context. Again, the use of literature is critical to many colonial studies. For example, the works of famous writers such as Joseph Conrad or Jack London often center on colonial relationships and all of the difficulties they impose on involved parties. Any basic review of either author’s work will turn up profound and serious examples of colonial discourses that are effective in asking questions about the challenges and questionable morality of colonialism.
In formal studies, colonial discourse can be used in various ways. In conflict resolution studies, this can be a resource for developing solutions to a colonial relationship that has damaged one or more cultures, or inflicted great pain on colonized subjects. In general historical studies, such discourses can lead today’s societies to a fuller understanding of human rights and compassionate international relationships. In economics, this kind of conversation about colonialism can be useful in determining how individual national or regional economies work, and in finding solutions to economies that have not thrived under a colonial relationship, or in independence. These are just some of the uses for colonial discourses, which cover a wide set of historical relationships between regions and peoples.
