What does acculturation refer to?

Acculturation refers to the process where individuals or groups adopt cultural traits or social patterns of another culture, while still retaining elements of their original culture. This concept highlights the idea of cultural modification, indicating that a person adapts to aspects of a different culture—such as language, customs, or social practices—while not entirely losing their original cultural identity. It represents a two-way interaction, where both the new and the original culture can influence the individual.

In this context, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of acculturation. For example, cultural isolation implies a separation from other cultures, which contradicts the interactive nature of acculturation. Complete assimilation refers to fully adopting a new culture to the point of losing one's original cultural identity, which again differs from the more balanced and nuanced adaptation described by acculturation. Lastly, the outright rejection of one's original culture also does not align with the concept of acculturation, as it suggests a refusal to engage with the original culture, rather than a blend or modification in response to another cultural influence.