Acculturation

Acculturation refers to the change that takes place when two groups come together over a period of time. The changes that occur are primarily cultural and psychological in nature.

Acculturation, a term used in the field of anthropology, relates to the study of cultures and the processes taking place during cultural interactions. External changes may be identifiable as the process of acculturation takes effect. The mode of language, dress, and behavior may alter significantly. Values may change systematically through the acculturation process.

Acculturation is generally relevant within the context of immigration, with the immigrants taking upon themselves the cultural norms of the majority culture. While acculturation may predominate in the context of immigration, it is not limited to this occurrence.

Background

Acculturation focuses on the changes that transpire due to the meeting of cultures. This may apply to an individual or a group who moves from one sociocultural context to another.

Acculturation presupposes that the person who moves toward adopting habits or behaviors of another culture started out with his or her own cultural realities. The culture to which a person or group is accustomed feels like the norm in terms of appropriate behavior. A great level of understanding is required to interpret information and behaviors of the other culture that may appear to be foreign. This may be experienced as psychologically disorientating, pressurizing, and stressful.

Acculturation may exist within a framework where one cultural group exerts a degree of dominance over the other. In these instances, the theoretically weaker, newer, or minority group may find itself subsumed by the group that appears to be in greater control. The dominant group may assume that the other needs to learn its languages and cultural ways. The cultural group that enters the domain of the more powerful group may likewise assume that becoming acculturated will provide its members with a higher status level or credibility. Although there is a possibility of the cultural change being evident reciprocally, most often the process appears to be asymmetrical, with one group becoming more readily absorbed by the other culture.

Studies of acculturation may be discussed with reference to other theoretical processes occurring when people of different cultures inhabit a common area. Enculturation, cultural diffusion, and assimilation are other terms that bear comparison to acculturation.

Enculturation refers to the acquisition of culture, a process that begins with children and affects and reflects a person's concept of what is normal or acceptable regarding living conditions, education, values, and beliefs. Cultural diffusion occurs when aspects of one culture via ideas or practices are transferred to another culture. Assimilation is the process whereby one culture absorbs and adopts the cultural behaviors of the dominant culture to such a degree that it is difficult to distinguish one from the other.

Ethnogenesis and transculturation are also related to acculturation. In contrast to acculturation, ethnogenesis is the forming or emerging of a culture. Transculturation is the process of crossing over and merging into another culture.

Overview

Acculturation is a term utilized in the study of both anthropology and sociology. Whereas the early concepts of acculturation were unidirectional, assuming a relegation of cultural background by a group when coming into contact with another, this model expanded to take in other eventualities. Acculturation has come to be seen as a multidirectional and dynamic process. The unfolding process of acculturation is dependent on the unique set of circumstances, including the individual, the group, and the environment in which the contact presents itself.

Acculturation is generally classified according to four prominent areas and processes. These include the acquisition of language, immersion into the other culture, integration, and assimilation.

Acquisition of language forms a significant part of the acculturation process. Narrowing the social gap has a marked effect on the ability to gain proficiency in the new language. When there appears to be a great distance between the two social or cultural groups, acquiring language skills may be perceived as challenging or insurmountable. On the other hand, a sustained period of time in contact with the group and an attitude of motivation to learn the new language will assist with language acquisition. Language acquisition includes the adjustment to a new set of colloquialisms, manner of conversation and communication, and is closely tied to cultural appropriateness.

Adapting to a new culture involves a period of immersion. This is part of the acculturation process. How the individual or group adapts to the steps of immersion may differ according to temperament, experience, and openness to learning the new culture, as well as the psychological reasons for why and how the acculturation is taking place. There may be situations where the acculturation is forced, which would have an impact on the willingness to freely engage in becoming acculturated.

Integration involves moving within the new culture and seeking out opportunities for socialization. When someone is considered to have integrated in a society, there is generally a perception of equality. For integration to occur, this does not mean that assimilation has to take place. When acculturation takes place to such an extent that there is a complete absorption of the other culture, this leads to a situation of assimilation. When assimilation occurs, a visible transformation is obvious as the individuals and group have eradicated their own traditions or behaviors to assume those of the new culture.

The advantages of acculturation include a commonality with the other culture and an easier sense of integration. The disadvantages of acculturation are numerous. Very often, the group that is assuming the culture of the other ends up abandoning its own culture. This leads to a loss of its cultural heritage as well as an inherent cultural identity and sense of self. By maintaining a sense of enclosure or isolation to preserve cultural heritage and identity, the group may nurture its own culture and norms, yet at the same time remain separate from the culture with which it is in proximity. In either case, there may be a backward and forward battle between advantages and disadvantages.

Bibliography

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