This volume provides an essential key to understanding the issues which characterize post-colonialism, explaining what it is, where it is encountered and why it is crucial in forging new cultural identities. As a subject, post-colonial studies stands at the intersection of debates about race, colonialism, gender, politics and language. In the language of post-colonial studies, some words are new, others are familiar words charged with new significance.

Among over 100 entries, this book includes definitions of: diaspora Fanonism hybridity imperialism Manicheanism mimicry miscegenation negritude orientalism settler-colony subaltern trans-culturation. There are suggestions for further reading at the end of each entry and a comprehensive glossary with extensive cross-referencing. The bibliography of essential writings in post-colonial studies is in an easy-to-use A-Z format.