What is the difference between deculturate and acculturate?

Definitions

deculturate

- Describing the process of losing or abandoning one's cultural identity or practices.

- Referring to the removal or suppression of cultural traditions or beliefs.

- Talking about the rejection or abandonment of cultural norms or values.

acculturate

- Describing the process of adapting to a new culture or society.

- Referring to the acquisition of new cultural practices or beliefs.

- Talking about the integration of different cultural values or norms.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe a process of cultural change.
• 2. Both words involve a shift in cultural identity or practices.
• 3. Both words can be used to describe the impact of external factors on a culture.

What is the difference?

• 1. Direction: Deculturate refers to the loss or abandonment of cultural identity, while acculturate describes the acquisition or adoption of new cultural practices.
• 2. Attitude: Deculturate has a negative connotation, implying the suppression or rejection of cultural practices, while acculturate is more neutral or positive, emphasizing adaptation and integration.
• 3. Scope: Deculturate is typically used to describe the impact of external forces, such as colonialism or globalization, on a culture, while acculturate can also refer to individual or voluntary changes in cultural practices.
• 4. Outcome: Deculturate often leads to a loss of cultural identity or practices, while acculturate results in the adoption of new cultural practices or beliefs.
• 5. Usage: Deculturate is less common and more specialized than acculturate, which is a more general term used in a variety of contexts.

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Remember this!

Deculturate and acculturate are two words that describe cultural change. However, the difference between them is their direction and attitude. Deculturate refers to the loss or abandonment of cultural identity or practices, often due to external factors, and has a negative connotation. In contrast, acculturate describes the acquisition or adoption of new cultural practices, often through adaptation and integration, and has a more neutral or positive connotation.