Acculturating – Definition & Meaning

Acculturating is a term that is becoming more and more common in modern society. It is a process that occurs when an individual or group of individuals adopts the cultural traits of another society. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including migration, globalization, or simply exposure to different cultures. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of acculturating, its origins, and its associations.

Definitions

Acculturating is the process of adapting to a new culture. It involves learning and adopting the customs, beliefs, and behaviors of a different society. This process can be voluntary or involuntary and can occur over a short or long period of time.

Origin

The term acculturating comes from the word acculturation, which was first used in the late 19th century. Acculturation is a combination of the Latin word ‘ad’ meaning ‘to’ and the word ‘culture’. The term acculturating is a verb form of acculturation.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acculturating means “to assimilate a different culture.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the process of adopting the cultural traits of another society.” The Cambridge English Dictionary describes it as “the process of learning and adopting the customs and beliefs of a different culture.”

Associations

Acculturating is often associated with migration and globalization. As people move from one country to another, they are exposed to new cultures and must adapt to their new environment. Globalization has also led to increased cultural exchange, which has further accelerated the process of acculturation.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of acculturating include assimilating, adapting, adjusting, and integrating.

Antonyms

The antonyms of acculturating include isolating, segregating, and rejecting.

The same root words

The root words of acculturating include ‘acculturation’, ‘culture’, and ‘to’. Other words that share these roots include ‘cultivate’, ‘agriculture’, and ‘cult’.

Example Sentences

1. The new immigrants were acculturating to the customs and traditions of their adopted country.
2. After spending a year abroad, she found herself acculturating to the local way of life.
3. The company was acculturating its employees to the new corporate culture.
4. Acculturating to a new culture can be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding experience.
5. The school was focused on acculturating its students to the values and beliefs of the community.