Acculturate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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Acculturate

[əˈkʌltʃəˌreɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

social adaptation

To acculturate means to adapt or adjust to the cultural norms, practices, and values of a different society. It involves learning and internalizing the customs, traditions, and behaviors of the new culture.

Synonyms

adapt, adjust, assimilate, blend in.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Acculturate	This word is often used in academic or formal settings to describe the process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits of another group, particularly in the context of social and environmental changes. The immigrants gradually began to acculturate to the customs and traditions of their new home
assimilate	This term is used to describe the process of fully integrating into a different cultural or social group. It often implies a more complete absorption into the new environment, sometimes with a loss of original identity. Over time, she was able to assimilate into the local community and felt like she belonged
adapt	Use this word when talking about making changes in response to new conditions or environments. It’s a general term that can apply to a wide range of scenarios, from technology to personal behavior. You need to adapt to the cold weather by wearing warmer clothes
blend in	This phrase is informal and is used when someone or something becomes inconspicuous or indistinguishable from the surrounding environment or group. It often implies trying not to stand out. He tried to blend in with the crowd by wearing similar clothes
adjust	This word is appropriate when referring to making small changes to better suit a new condition or situation. It often has a more immediate or minor connotation than 'adapt'. He had to adjust his schedule to accommodate the new team's meetings

Examples of usage

Immigrants often acculturate to their new country by learning the language and customs.
Acculturation can be a challenging process, but it is essential for smooth integration into a new society.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

psychological adaptation

In psychology, acculturation refers to the process of psychological and cultural change that results from continuous contact between two distinct cultural groups. It involves adapting to the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of the dominant culture.

Synonyms

cultural adjustment, cultural assimilation, cultural integration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
Acculturate	Use this term in formal or academic contexts when discussing how individuals or groups adopt cultural traits or social patterns from another culture. Immigrants often acculturate to their new environment over time. The study explores how refugees acculturate to different aspects of the host culture.

Word

Description / Examples

Acculturate

Use this term in formal or academic contexts when discussing how individuals or groups adopt cultural traits or social patterns from another culture.

Immigrants often acculturate to their new environment over time.
The study explores how refugees acculturate to different aspects of the host culture.

Examples of usage

Acculturation can lead to identity conflicts as individuals navigate between their original culture and the new culture.
The level of acculturation can vary among individuals within a cultural group.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sociology

Acculturation can lead to cultural assimilation, where individuals or groups adopt the dominant culture wholly.
There are several types of acculturation, including integration, separation, and marginalization, influencing how new cultures are adopted.
The process can affect identity and social status, with some feeling a sense of loss for their original culture.

Psychology

Studies show that acculturation can impact mental health, with some experiencing stress while adjusting to new cultural norms.
Positive acculturation can lead to greater social connections, enhancing emotional support, especially in immigrant communities.
Cognitive dissonance occurs when new cultural practices contradict deeply held beliefs, causing strain during the adjustment period.

Globalization

In today’s globalized world, technology accelerates the acculturation process by providing instant access to various cultures.
Cultural exchange through media, cuisine, music, and fashion showcases how quickly societies influence one another.
Acculturation has sparked debates about cultural preservation versus adaptation, impacting various communities and their traditions.

Education

Acculturation in educational settings can help students from diverse backgrounds feel more included and engaged.
Bilingual education programs often aim to facilitate positive acculturation by valuing both the native and new languages.
Teaching strategies targeting acculturation often focus on cultural competency, helping students navigate different cultural contexts.

Origin of 'Acculturate'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'cultura,' meaning 'cultivation,' and adds 'ac,' meaning 'to' or 'toward.'
Acculturate entered the English language in the late 19th century, reflecting changes brought by migration.
The concept has been crucial in understanding the dynamics of societies merging through colonization or globalization.

The term 'acculturate' originated in the mid-20th century from the Latin word 'acculturatus,' which means 'to accustom.' It gained prominence in the fields of anthropology and sociology to describe the process of cultural adaptation. Acculturation has been studied extensively in the context of migration, globalization, and intercultural communication.