CultureAugust 23, 2026

precolonial

pree-kuh-LO-nee-ul

Definition

Referring to the period or state of African societies existing before they were subjected to European colonial rule.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix 'pre-' (before) and 'colonial' (relating to a colony), referring to the era prior to the establishment of European colonies in a given region.

In the news

The author uses this term to emphasize that the practice of using first names with honorifics in Igbo culture is not an ancient, forgotten custom, but a living, contemporary practice that existed long before colonial influence.

OPINION… Re: Elumelu: Addressing elders by their first names is African culture

Read the full article ↗

Ripples Nigeria

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