Definition

Verb: - To civilize: The act of bringing a society or people to a more advanced stage of social, cultural, and moral development, often implying the introduction of education, technology, and modern systems. This term historically carries connotations of a more advanced group influencing or developing a less developed one.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Thực dân Pháp tuyên bố rằng họ đến để khai hóa các thuộc địa. (The French colonists claimed they came to civilize the colonies.)
  • Nhiệm vụ của nhà truyền giáo, theo quan điểm của ông ấy, là khai hóa những vùng đất mới. (The missionary's task, in his view, was to civilize new lands.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "khai hóa" is often used in historical or critical contexts to describe colonial or imperial ideologies. It can imply a paternalistic or ethnocentric perspective where one culture positions itself as superior and bearing the "burden" of developing another.
  • Chủ nghĩa thực dân thường biện minh cho sự xâm lược dưới danh nghĩa khai hóa. (Colonialism often justified invasion under the guise of civilizing.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khai hoá: An alternate spelling using the older form of the letter "o".
• Khai sáng (verb): To enlighten. While related, this term focuses more on intellectual and philosophical enlightenment rather than broad societal development.
• Văn minh hóa (verb): To civilize. A more modern and direct synonym.
• Mở mang (verb): To develop, to expand. A broader term for development without the specific connotation of moving from "uncivilized" to "civilized".

Synonyms

• Civilize: To bring to a more advanced stage of cultural development.
• Enlighten: To give intellectual or spiritual light to.
• Educate: To provide instruction or knowledge.

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Historical and Loaded Term: In modern discourse, "khai hóa" is frequently used critically or in historical analysis. Its use often questions the motives behind such actions, highlighting the cultural arrogance and violence that frequently accompanied historical "civilizing missions."
• Different from "Phát triển" (Develop): While "phát triển" is a neutral term for development, "khai hóa" specifically frames development as a process of lifting a group from a perceived state of backwardness or savagery.

verb

1. to civilize