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Acculturation: meaning, definitions and examples

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acculturation

 

[əˌkʌltʃəˈreɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social science

Acculturation is the process of cultural change and psychological change that results following meeting between cultures.

Synonyms

cultural adaptation, cultural assimilation, cultural integration.

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Word Description / Examples
acculturation

Acculturation is used to describe the process of cultural exchange and adaptation that occurs when different cultures come into direct contact. It doesn't imply losing one’s own culture, but rather incorporating elements from another culture.

  • The immigrant community went through a process of acculturation, blending their traditions with the local customs.
  • Acculturation can lead to the creation of a new, hybrid culture.

Examples of usage

  • Acculturation can lead to changes in social institutions, cultural practices, or cultural meanings.
  • One example of acculturation is when immigrants adopt the language, customs, and norms of the new country they have moved to.
  • Acculturation can also involve the fusion of two cultures, creating a new and unique culture that incorporates elements of both original cultures.
  • In some cases, acculturation can lead to cultural conflict as different values and beliefs clash.
  • Acculturation is a complex and ongoing process that can have both positive and negative consequences.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin root 'cultura,' which means 'to cultivate or tend.'
  • It was first used in English in the late 1800s as societies began to recognize the importance of cultural exchanges.

Sociology

  • Acculturation can happen through immigration, travel, or trade, influencing language, food, and traditions.
  • There are two main aspects: assimilation, where one group adopts the culture of another, and integration, where both groups maintain their distinct cultures while interacting.

Psychology

  • The process can lead to challenges like cultural identity confusion, as individuals balance their original culture with new influences.
  • It has been shown to impact mental health positively by providing supportive social networks in a new culture.

Education

  • Educational institutions often play a crucial role in acculturation by facilitating language learning and cultural understanding for newcomers.
  • Programs aimed at promoting multicultural education help in reducing prejudice and fostering acceptance among diverse student groups.

Globalization

  • In the modern world, rapid globalization fosters acculturation as people interact more through technology and travel.
  • Pop culture, like movies and music, serves as a vehicle for acculturation, influencing behaviors and lifestyles across different cultures.

Translations

Translations of the word "acculturation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aculturação

🇮🇳 संस्कृतिग्रहण

🇩🇪 Akkulturation

🇮🇩 akulturasi

🇺🇦 акультурація

🇵🇱 akulturacja

🇯🇵 文化適応 (bunka tekiō)

🇫🇷 acculturation

🇪🇸 aculturación

🇹🇷 kültürel uyum

🇰🇷 문화 적응 (munhwa jeogeung)

🇸🇦 التثاقف

🇨🇿 akulturace

🇸🇰 akulturácia

🇨🇳 文化适应 (wénhuà shìyìng)

🇸🇮 akulturacija

🇮🇸 menningaraðlögun

🇰🇿 мәдениеттену

🇬🇪 აკულტურაცია

🇦🇿 mədəni uyğunlaşma

🇲🇽 aculturación

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,694, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.