I am confused on the meaning of assimilation and acculturation. Is assimilation the process that attitudes and behaviors from one cultral are modified as a result of contact with a different cultrual and so acculturation mean the same?
They seem pretty much the same ... not identical, but similar:
http://www.answers.com/topic/acculturation
http://www.answers.com/topic/assimilation
Here's an excellent explanation of these two words.
http://archiejeter.blogspot.com/2007/08/assimilation-versus-acculturation.html
Thank you, that helped alot.
You're welcome.
Assimilation and acculturation are related concepts, but they are not exactly the same.
Assimilation refers to the process by which individuals or groups adopt the attitudes, behaviors, and values of a different culture, often as a result of contact or interaction with that culture. In assimilation, the individual or group is expected to become similar to the dominant culture, often at the expense of their own cultural identity. This process can involve changes in language, customs, clothing, or even religious practices.
On the other hand, acculturation refers to the process of cultural change that occurs when two or more cultures come into contact with each other. Acculturation involves a give-and-take between cultures, where elements from each culture are adopted or adapted by the other. Unlike assimilation, the goal of acculturation is not to completely replace one culture with another, but rather to find a balance or synthesis between the two.
So, to summarize, assimilation is the process where individuals or groups adopt the culture of another, often leading to a loss of their own cultural identity. Acculturation, on the other hand, is the process of cultural exchange and adaptation that occurs when different cultures come into contact, with both cultures influencing and being influenced by each other.