University of Central Florida (UCF) ANT2000 General Anthropology Practice Exam 2

Acculturation describes the process through which individuals or groups adopt certain cultural practices and ideas from another culture while still retaining elements of their original culture. This can occur when there is prolonged contact between different cultures, leading to changes in customs, behaviors, and social practices. Individuals may integrate specific aspects of the new culture, such as language, food, or dress, while maintaining their cultural identity and traditions.

This concept contrasts with total assimilation, which involves the complete integration into another culture, often resulting in the loss of the original cultural identity. Acculturation acknowledges the complexity and negotiation involved in cultural exchange, highlighting that people can actively choose what elements to adopt and what to retain from their own cultural heritage. Thus, it reflects a more nuanced understanding of the interactions between cultures, rather than a simple rejection or preservation of cultural practices.