Acculturation is a process of cultural change that occurs when two different cultures come into contact with each other. Acculturated is an adjective that describes someone who has adapted to a new culture and has become familiar with its customs, beliefs, and practices. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acculturated.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acculturated means “to assimilate a different culture, typically the dominant one.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to adopt the cultural traits or social patterns of another group.”
Origin
The word acculturated is derived from the Latin word “acculturationem,” which means “a bringing to culture.” It was first used in the English language in the mid-20th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, acculturated means “having learned the customs and ways of a new country or group of people.” The Collins English Dictionary defines it as “having been influenced by a different culture and having adopted some of its characteristics.”
Associations
Acculturated is often associated with the process of assimilation, which involves adopting the values, beliefs, and practices of a dominant culture. It is also associated with cultural exchange, where individuals from different cultures share their customs and traditions.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of acculturated include assimilated, adapted, integrated, and acclimatized.
Antonyms
Antonyms of acculturated include unacculturated, unassimilated, and unadapted.
The same root words
The same root words as acculturated include culture, cultivate, cult, and agriculture.
Example Sentences
- After living in the United States for ten years, Maria has become acculturated to American customs and traditions.
- The new employee was acculturated to the company’s values and principles during his orientation.
- The immigrant community struggled to become acculturated to the dominant culture in their new country.
- The exchange program allowed students to become acculturated to different customs and practices from around the world.
In conclusion, acculturated is a term that describes the process of adapting to a new culture and becoming familiar with its customs, beliefs, and practices. It is a concept that is often associated with assimilation and cultural exchange. By understanding the meaning of acculturated, we can better appreciate the complexity of cultural interactions and the importance of cultural diversity.