Postcolonial Literatures Across the Globe

Postcolonialism as a critical approach and pedagogic practice examines the interpretation and composition of literature produced in formerly or presently colonized nations, as well as literature from colonizing nations that addresses colonization or colonized populations. It specifically examines how literature from the colonizing culture misrepresents the experiences and realities of colonized peoples, perpetuating their inferiority, while literature from the colonized seeks to express their identity and reclaim their history amidst its unavoidable otherness. Mid-twentieth century postcolonial literature from Africa, Asia, and South America has consistently scrutinized, engaged with, and responded to the pervasive experience of colonial domination. Postcolonial literature, is therefore, often resistive in nature.