In the modern world, a person is considered well-educated not only if they have acquired knowledge or skills, but also if they have the ability to question that knowledge. According to a UNESCO report, only 12% of the world’s languages are used in education, and the majority of these are from Europe and North America. This points to a significant imbalance in the knowledge systems that students are exposed to, emphasizing the need for a decolonial overhaul.
Data on the erosion of indigenous languages further underscores the urgency of embracing decoloniality. The Endangered Languages Project estimates that, of the roughly 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, over 40% are endangered. Recognizing and revitalizing these languages is central to the decolonization of knowledge and the promotion of diverse epistemologies.
The linguistic dominance of English, inherited from colonial legacies, is evident in digital spaces. A survey by Internet World Stats reveals that English accounts for over 25% of global internet users. This linguistic hegemony perpetuates colonial power dynamics online, emphasizing the importance of linguistic decolonization efforts.
“In the modern world, a person is considered well-educated not only if they have acquired knowledge or skills, but also if they have the ability to question that knowledge.”
Statistics on the representation of authors and perspectives in educational materials highlight the Eurocentric bias. A study by the University of Bristol found that only 7% of the authors studied in the UK’s English literature GCSE curriculum were from Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds. Decolonial education initiatives aim to address this imbalance and provide a more inclusive learning environment.
Data on art collections and exhibition curation underscores the need for decolonial interventions. The Art Museum by the Numbers report by Williams College Museum of Art revealed that, on average, only 12% of artists in U.S. museum collections are non-white. Decolonial activism in the arts seeks to challenge these disparities and amplify underrepresented voices.
Examining economic structures reveals persistent inequalities. According to Oxfam, the world’s richest 1% have more than twice the wealth of the rest of humanity combined. Decolonial economic initiatives focus on addressing historical injustices and promoting fair trade to rectify these disparities.
In the digital world, social media statistics reflect the potential for amplifying marginalized voices. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram have seen a surge in activism, with hashtags such as #DecolonizeThisPlace and #ReparationsNow gaining momentum. Digital decoloniality is becoming a powerful tool for challenging colonial narratives.
Statistics on land dispossession are stark reminders of historical injustices. The Land Matrix Global Observatory reports that large-scale land acquisitions have displaced millions of indigenous people. Decolonial movements advocate for land reclamation and the recognition of indigenous rights to rectify these wrongs.
Global statistics on social movements, such as the global climate strikes, highlight the potential for global solidarity. The Global Climate Strike in September 2019 saw an estimated 6.6 million people participating across the world. Such movements exemplify the interconnectedness of decolonial struggles.
To actively contribute to decoloniality, individuals can educate themselves on diverse histories, amplify marginalized voices, and challenge biased narratives. Support initiatives that prioritize indigenous knowledge, advocate for inclusive education, and promote cultural diversity. People can engage in conversations that decimate stereotypes, question systemic inequalities, and champion policies that address economic disparities and rectify historical injustices. By fostering a conscious awareness and taking tangible actions, people play a pivotal role in decolonizing narratives and fostering a more more just, equitable, and inclusive world.