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acculturation

uh-kul-chuh-RAY-shun /əˌkʌl.tʃəˈreɪ.ʃən/

nounC2GRECATUPSC

AnthropologicalAcademic

The process of social, psychological, and cultural change that stems from the balancing of two cultures while adapting to the prevailing culture of the society.

Acculturation is a two-way street; while the minority group adopts traits of the majority, the majority culture often changes as well.

The story behind the word. Coined in the late 19th century by American explorers and anthropologists, the word combines 'ad' (to/toward) with 'culture'. It was created to describe the specific changes that happen when two distinct groups start living side-by-side.

Word relationships

adaptation: Adaptation is a general term for changing to fit an environment; acculturation is specific to cultural contact.

enculturation: The process of learning one's own native culture from birth.

Commonly confused with

assimilation: Acculturation is the process of exchange; assimilation is the result when one culture is completely absorbed.

Word family

acculturate (verb): To undergo or cause to undergo acculturation.
acculturative (adjective): Relating to the process of acculturation.

Collocations

process of acculturation
acculturation stress
bidirectional acculturation
rapid acculturation

Example sentences

"Acculturation comprehends those phenomena which result when groups of individuals having different cultures come into continuous first-hand contact." A classic anthropological definition. (Redfield, Linton, and Herskovits (1936))
"The acculturation of youth in rural areas is often driven by exposure to Western music and fashion through the internet." Describing the influence of global media.

Memory hook

Think of 'Add-Culture'. You are adding a new culture to your existing one, not necessarily replacing it. Add to culture.

When not to use

Avoid using it as a synonym for 'learning a culture' from birth; that is 'enculturation'.

Fun facts

The 'Taco Bell' effect is a form of acculturation: Mexican food was adapted for American tastes, and now that version is a distinct part of American culture.

Explore more words

assimilation, acclimatize, assimilate, syncretism, multicultural, socialization