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acculturation

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

nounC2GREUPSC

academicsociological

The process of cultural change and psychological adaptation that results when individuals or groups from different cultures come into continuous, direct contact.

Refers to a two-way dynamic exchange where an individual learns a new culture while maintaining their heritage, leading to bicultural competence.

The story behind the word. Coined by American anthropologists in the late 19th century by combining Latin 'ad-' (toward) with 'culture'. It was designed specifically to describe the mutual exchange that happens when two distinct societies live side by side.

Word relationships

enculturation: 'Enculturation' is learning one's own primary native culture from childhood, whereas 'acculturation' is adapting to a second culture.
cultural adaptation: 'Cultural adaptation' is a broader general term, whereas 'acculturation' is a formal social-science framework.

cultural isolation: 'Cultural isolation' refers to complete absence of contact or exchange with other cultures.

Commonly confused with

assimilation: 'Acculturation' retains original identity while gaining new traits; 'assimilation' sheds original identity entirely.

Word family

acculturate (verb): To assimilate or cause to assimilate to a different culture.
acculturative (adjective): Relating to or causing acculturation.

Collocations

acculturation strategies
acculturation stress
process of acculturation
cultural acculturation

Example sentences

"The study measured levels of acculturation stress among indigenous youths transitioning to university campuses." Cross-cultural psychology
"Acculturation resulted in a blend of traditional spiritual motifs and modern artistic techniques." Anthropological monograph

Memory hook

ACCULTURATION = ADDing a second CULTURE to your original one. ADD culture, don't subtract your own.

When not to use

Do not use when describing complete, one-sided loss of culture (use 'assimilation' instead).

Fun facts

Psychologist John Berry identified four distinct acculturation strategies: integration, assimilation, separation, and marginalization.