Process by which continuous contact between two or more distinct societies causes cultural change The beliefs and customs of the groups may merge almost equally and result in a single culture However, one society most often completely absorbs the cultural patterns of another through a process of selection and modification This change often occurs because of political, military, or economic domination
The process of adapting to a new culture This involves understanding different systems of thought, beliefs, emotions, and communication systems Acculturation is an important concept for understanding SLA, since successful learning is more likely when learners succeed in acculturating
the process by which adults acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and behaviors that enable them to become functioning participants of a new host culture" (adapted from Grunlan and Mayers 1979, 85) Acculturation is for adults what enculturation is for children
acculturate
Hyphenation
ac·cul·tur·ate
Pronunciation
Etymology
[ &-'k&l-ch&-"rAt, a ] (transitive verb.) 1930. Circa 20th century, from ad- + culture + -ate.