Speech and Silence: The Colonial Linguistics Study of The Tempest by Shakespeare

Abstract

This study investigates colonial practices through the lens of linguistic power structures and their impact on the colonized, with a specific focus on Shakespeare’s The Tempest (2008). Grounded in post-colonial theory, the analysis emphasizes the role of language as a tool of domination and control. Particular attention is given to Prospero’s speeches, examining how his use of language reflects and reinforces colonial hierarchies. The study highlights the discursive strategies Prospero employs, especially in his interactions with Caliban, to assert authority and maintain hegemonic control. Through this focus, the article explores how language functions not only as a means of communication but also as an instrument of power and colonial influence. Despite Caliban’s acts of resistance, the linguistic and psychological impact of colonization remains pervasive. Ultimately, the play portrays a colonial order in which all characters, either by force or persuasion, come to accept Prospero’s dominance. This article seeks to uncover the mechanisms by which Prospero’s discourse sustains colonial power and silences opposition through language.