, Glossary of Key Terms in the Philosophy of Education
1. Decolonialisation
Historical Context and Philosophical Origins:
Decolonialisation refers to the process of dismantling colonial
structures, influences, and ideologies in different aspects of
society, including education. It emerged prominently in
postcolonial studies, influenced by scholars such as Frantz
Fanon (1961), Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o (1986), and Walter Mignolo
(2011). Decolonial thought critiques the continued dominance
of Western perspectives and seeks to re-establish indigenous
and local knowledge systems.
Nuanced Meanings and Implications: Decolonialisation
challenges Eurocentric curricula, teaching methods, and
institutional frameworks. It calls for the recognition and
integration of indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives
that have been historically marginalized. It also involves
questioning the power dynamics in knowledge production and
the role of language in perpetuating colonial dominance
(Mignolo, 2011).
Relevance to Education in South Africa: South Africa’s
education system was historically shaped by colonial and
1. Decolonialisation
Historical Context and Philosophical Origins:
Decolonialisation refers to the process of dismantling colonial
structures, influences, and ideologies in different aspects of
society, including education. It emerged prominently in
postcolonial studies, influenced by scholars such as Frantz
Fanon (1961), Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o (1986), and Walter Mignolo
(2011). Decolonial thought critiques the continued dominance
of Western perspectives and seeks to re-establish indigenous
and local knowledge systems.
Nuanced Meanings and Implications: Decolonialisation
challenges Eurocentric curricula, teaching methods, and
institutional frameworks. It calls for the recognition and
integration of indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives
that have been historically marginalized. It also involves
questioning the power dynamics in knowledge production and
the role of language in perpetuating colonial dominance
(Mignolo, 2011).
Relevance to Education in South Africa: South Africa’s
education system was historically shaped by colonial and
