What is the Difference Between Acculturation and Assimilation?

Acculturation and assimilation are two concepts related to the interaction between different cultures, but they have distinct meanings and implications.

Acculturation refers to the adaptation process that occurs when two or more cultures come into contact and exchange ideas, behaviors, and values. In acculturation:

The minority culture changes but retains unique cultural markers of language, food, and customs.
Individuals may choose to change certain aspects of their identity, while retaining their cultural identity.
It is a two-way process, where both cultures are changed as they interact with each other.

Examples of acculturation include blending two cuisines together, borrowing pieces of clothing from another culture, and living in a bilingual home.

Assimilation refers to the adoption of the dominant culture's practices, beliefs, and values by a minority group. In assimilation:

The minority culture adopts the practices, beliefs, and values of the dominant culture.
Individuals give up their previous identity and completely adopt the culture of the new environment.
It is a one-way process, where the minority culture is changed, but the majority culture remains relatively unchanged.

An example of assimilation is early Americans imposing their customs, religious beliefs, and language on Native Americans, resulting in Native Americans largely losing their original customs and adopting American customs.

In summary, acculturation involves adapting to a new culture while retaining one's unique cultural markers, while assimilation involves adopting the dominant culture's practices, beliefs, and values, often at the expense of one's original cultural identity.