PoliticsAugust 15, 2026

indigenization

in-DIJ-uh-nuh-ZAY-shun

Definition

The process of adapting or reshaping foreign theories, practices, or systems to align with the specific historical, cultural, and political context of a local environment.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'indigena' meaning 'native to a place,' the term emerged in the 20th century to describe the process of making something native or adapting it to a specific local culture.

In the news

In the article, the author highlights the challenge of balancing the 'indigenization' of Chinese academic theories with the need for them to remain intellectually open and globally relevant.

Institutions Outpace Ideas in ‘Autonomous Knowledge System’

Read the full article ↗

Substack

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