What is the difference between the terms 'enculturation' and 'acculturation'?

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The Answer is Enculturation and acculturation are both processes related to the learning of culture, but they differ in their contexts and mechanisms.

Enculturation is the process by which individuals learn and adopt the norms, values, behaviors, language, and other cultural traits of their own society. It is a natural and continuous process that begins from a very young age and occurs as people interact with family members, peers, educators, and others within their own cultural group. Enculturation helps individuals to become functioning members of their society, as they internalize the cultural norms and practices that are necessary for social integration. It is essentially the way culture is transmitted from one generation to the next within the same cultural group.

Acculturation, on the other hand, refers to the cultural changes that occur when individuals from different cultural backgrounds come into direct and continuous contact with each other. This process can involve the exchange of cultural features and the adoption of certain aspects of one culture by members of another. Acculturation often occurs in situations of immigration, where individuals or groups move to a new country and are exposed to a different dominant culture. It can involve learning a new language, adopting new values, and changing behaviors to adapt to the new cultural environment. Acculturation can be a complex process, as it may involve negotiating identity, dealing with potential cultural conflicts, and balancing the retention of one's original culture with the adoption of elements from the new culture.

In summary, enculturation is the process of learning one's native culture, while acculturation is the process of adapting to a new culture when coming into contact with it. Enculturation is about cultural continuity within a society, whereas acculturation is about cultural change resulting from cross-cultural interaction.

What Is the Difference Between the Terms 'Enculturation' and 'Acculturation