Acculturation
/əˌkʌltʃəˈreɪʃən/noun
The process of cultural and psychological change that happens when one group comes into continuous contact with another.
Did you know?Acculturation is a modern scholarly word built from Latin roots meaning "to cultivate toward," so its hidden image is not conquest but gradual cultural shaping, like tending a mind or society.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
cultūra
“cultivation, tilling, care; later also training or refinement”
Latin
Latin
accultūrāre
“to cultivate or adapt toward cultivation”
19th Century
English
acculturation
“the process of cultivating or adapting culture”
20th Century
English
acculturation
“the social and psychological changes that occur through sustained contact between cultures”