Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'colonization'

English Word: colonization

Key Russian Translations:

• колонизация [kə.lɐ.nʲɪˈza.t͡sɨ.jə] - [Formal, used in historical, political, or academic contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions of history, politics, and international relations, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian nominal forms and abstract concepts, suitable for learners with a solid intermediate grasp of vocabulary and grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

колонизация: [kə.lɐ.nʲɪˈza.t͡sɨ.jə]

Note on колонизация: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("za"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the word's length and the soft sign (ʲ) affecting the 'n' sound. Pronounce it with a clear rolling 'r' if in a formal setting.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The process of establishing political control over a foreign territory, often involving settlement and exploitation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• колонизация - Used in formal contexts like historical texts or political discussions to describe imperial expansion, such as European colonization of Africa.

Usage Examples:

• Русская колонизация Сибири в XVII веке привела к значительным территориальным изменениям.

  English Translation: Russian colonization of Siberia in the 17th century led to significant territorial changes.

• Колонизация новых планет может стать реальностью в будущем благодаря современным технологиям.

  English Translation: Colonization of new planets may become a reality in the future thanks to modern technology.

• Историки часто обсуждают негативные последствия колонизации для коренных народов.

  English Translation: Historians often discuss the negative consequences of colonization for indigenous peoples.

• Колонизация Африки европейскими державами была мотивирована экономическими интересами.

  English Translation: Colonization of Africa by European powers was motivated by economic interests.

• В контексте глобализации колонизация утратила свои прежние формы, но влияние остается.

  English Translation: In the context of globalization, colonization has lost its former forms, but its influence remains.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Колонизация" is a feminine noun (feminine gender, as indicated by its ending) in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian nominal inflections for case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners, but pay attention to the soft sign in genitive and other cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • колонизм (kolonizm) - Emphasizes the ideological aspect, often used interchangeably but with a focus on systems of domination.
  • империалистическая экспансия (imperialisticheskaya ekspansiya) - More broadly refers to expansionist policies.
• Antonyms:
  • деколонизация (dekolonizatsiya) - The process of reversing colonization, commonly used in post-colonial studies.
  • независимость (nezavisimost') - Independence, contrasting the control implied by colonization.

Related Phrases:

• колониальная экспансия (colonial expansion) - A phrase used to describe the aggressive spread of colonial control, often in historical contexts.
• колонизация континентов (colonization of continents) - Refers to the historical process of settling and controlling large landmasses.
• постколониальная эпоха (post-colonial era) - Discusses the period after colonization, highlighting ongoing effects and independence movements.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "колонизация" directly corresponds to the English "colonization" but is typically used in formal, academic, or historical discussions rather than everyday speech. English speakers should note that Russian often pairs this word with adjectives to specify context, such as "британская колонизация" (British colonization). Be cautious with gender agreement in sentences, as it must align with feminine nouns. When choosing between synonyms like "колонизм," opt for "колонизация" if focusing on the process rather than the ideology.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "колонизация" with "колонизм": Learners might use "колонизм" when "колонизация" is more appropriate for the process. Error example: "Колонизм Африки" (incorrect for process). Correct: "Колонизация Африки" – This distinguishes the act from the system.

• Incorrect inflection: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "в колонизация" instead of "в колонизации" for prepositional case. Error: "Я изучаю колонизация" (wrong). Correct: "Я изучаю колонизацию" – Always check case endings based on sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "колонизация" often evokes the expansion of the Russian Empire into Siberia and Central Asia during the 16th-19th centuries. This term carries connotations of both achievement (e.g., territorial growth) and controversy (e.g., displacement of indigenous peoples), reflecting Russia's complex imperial past. Understanding this can help English speakers grasp why the word is frequently discussed in educational and political contexts today.

Related Concepts:

• империализм (imperialism)
• экспансия (expansion)
• деколонизация (decolonization)
• колониализм (colonialism)