Definitions
- Describing the process of adapting to a new culture while retaining some aspects of one's original culture. - Referring to the acquisition of knowledge, values, and customs of a different culture through exposure and interaction. - Talking about the ability to navigate and function effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Describing the process of fully integrating into a new culture and adopting its customs and values. - Referring to the complete absorption of an individual or group into a new culture, often resulting in the loss of their original cultural identity. - Talking about the ability to blend in seamlessly with the dominant culture and become indistinguishable from its members.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe the process of adapting to a new culture.
- 2Both involve exposure to and interaction with a different culture.
- 3Both can result in changes to an individual's behavior, values, and beliefs.
What is the difference?
- 1Degree of change: Acculturation involves adapting to a new culture while retaining some aspects of one's original culture, while assimilation involves fully integrating into a new culture and adopting its customs and values.
- 2Cultural identity: Acculturation allows individuals to maintain their original cultural identity, while assimilation often results in the loss of one's original cultural identity.
- 3Goal: Acculturation aims to facilitate communication and understanding between different cultures, while assimilation aims to create a homogenous society.
- 4Attitude: Acculturation emphasizes respect for different cultures and the ability to function effectively in a multicultural environment, while assimilation can be associated with pressure to conform and abandon one's original culture.
- 5Connotation: Acculturation is often viewed positively as a way to promote diversity and inclusivity, while assimilation can be viewed negatively as a form of cultural erasure.
Remember this!
Acculturation and assimilation both refer to the process of adapting to a new culture. However, the difference between the two is the degree of change involved. Acculturation involves adapting to a new culture while retaining some aspects of one's original culture, while assimilation involves fully integrating into a new culture and adopting its customs and values. While acculturation emphasizes respect for different cultures and the ability to function effectively in a multicultural environment, assimilation can be associated with pressure to conform and abandon one's original culture.
