acculturation
UK: əˌkʌltʃəˈreɪʃən | US: əˌkʌltʃəˈreɪʃən
n. the process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group
n. the mutual influence of different cultures in close contact
The word "acculturation" combines the prefix ac- (a variant of ad-, meaning "to" or "toward"), the root culture (from Latin cultura, "cultivation" or "growing"), and the suffix -ation (forming nouns denoting a process or result). The term emerged in the early 20th century in anthropology to describe the process of cultural exchange and adaptation between groups. The logic reflects movement (ac-) toward shared cultural practices (culture), formalized as a concept (-ation).
Acculturation often occurs when immigrants adapt to the customs of their new country.
The study focused on the acculturation of indigenous communities under colonial influence.
Language acquisition is a key part of acculturation.
Acculturation can lead to both cultural preservation and assimilation.
Psychologists examine stress factors related to acculturation in multicultural societies.