How is assimilation defined in cultural contexts?

Assimilation in cultural contexts refers to the process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs, beliefs, and behaviors of another culture, often leading to the abandonment of their original cultural identity. This concept typically involves a complete integration where the assimilating group may lose significant aspects of their cultural heritage in favor of the dominant culture.

The reason this definition resonates as correct is that assimilation emphasizes the extent to which an individual or group transforms into another culture, often resulting in a significant loss of their original cultural elements. This is particularly evident in scenarios such as immigrants integrating into a new society, where they may adopt the language, social norms, and values of their new environment while discarding their previous cultural practices.

In contrast, negotiation between cultures, blending multiple cultural traits, or having a superficial understanding of different cultures reflects different processes that do not fully encompass the implications of assimilation. These other processes might suggest more of an interaction or coexistence of cultures rather than a complete transformation into one single cultural identity.