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Terms: Decolonization, Discourse, Discrimination

Decolonization


Definition:

“Decolonization is about shifting the way Indigenous Peoples view themselves and the way non-Indigenous people view Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Peoples are reclaiming the family, community, culture, language, history and traditions that were taken from them under the federal government policies designed for assimilation.” Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. “This history is not your fault, but it is absolutely your responsibility.” Decolonization Is for Everyone, Nikki Sanchez

Sources: 

A Brief Definition of Decolonization Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. 2017

Decolonization is for Everyone (Video)2019


Resources: 

Decolonization is for Everyone (Video)

Racial Equity Tools

European colonizers killed so many indigenous Americans that the planet cooled down, a group of researchers concluded




Discourse


Definition:

“Discourse is verbal or written communication between people that goes beyond a single sentence. Importantly, discourse is more than just language. The term “language” can include all forms of linguistic and symbolic units (even things such as road signs), and language studies can focus on the individual meanings of words. Discourse goes beyond this and looks at the overall meanings conveyed by language in context.  “Context” here refers to the social, cultural, political, and historical background of the discourse, and it is important to take this into account to understand underlying meanings expressed through language.” What (Exactly) is Discourse Analysis?Simply put, it is a meaningful discussion. 


Sources: 

Grad Coach Discourse Analysis2021


Resources: 

Grad Coach Discourse Analysis




Discrimination


Definition:

“Discrimination is defined as distinguishing differences between things or treating someone as inferior based on their race, sex, national origin, age or other characteristics.” yourdictionary.com


Other discrimination could be based on someone’s appearance, sexual orientation, physical or mental characteristics,  income, religion, and so on. 

  

Examples:

  1. An employee policy which requires women to wear a uniform with short sleeves.  (Muslim women wear long sleeves)

  2. Using the term “gay” in a derogatory way.  

  3. Not having a wheelchair access to a public building.

Sources: 

!4 Best Definitions of Discrimination Your Dictionary


Resources: 

!4 Best Definitions of Discrimination Your Dictionary

What is Discrimination?

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