Acculturation can be define as the changes or modification which takes place n the culture by getting influenced and adopting the characteristics of another culture.The other definition of acculturation is that when an individual or group accepts the values of different culture. It is not necessary that, people who live in the same country share similar culture, for instance, in America, people from different region have different cultures such as, Hispanic, Asian and European culture. If we are told to explain the American culture, we cannot possibly do that, without breaking down the geographical area into smaller segments, where people practice different cultures. For example people living in east coast might have different culture compare to, people living on west coast. The difference might be clothing or food or customs or language. The term acculturation means transmission of culture, it usually happens when two cultures come into contact. When people adopt the norms values and beliefs of other culture and switch from their native culture to the host culture, is known as acculturation.
Acculturation happens at both level individual and group. At group level it may happen due to political or military conquest. History is evident; countries which are conquered usually adopted the culture of conquerors. The result of group acculturation may be change in customs, language, food and healthcare. On the other hand, at individual level acculturation happens because of socialization process, for instance, if a baby is born in foreign country he will most probably adopt the dominant host culture. For the reason that, since conception, he has socialized in the host culture which probably results in adopting norms values, beliefs and language of host culture.
Written By. Khushdil khan Kasi
