What is the term used to describe the process of individuals adapting to cultural changes?

Acculturation refers to the process through which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits or social patterns of another group, particularly when they come into contact with a different culture. This can involve changes in language, customs, values, and social behaviors, often occurring as a result of immigration, colonization, or globalization.

In this process, individuals may retain aspects of their original culture while also integrating elements from the new culture, resulting in a blend rather than a complete loss of identity. This is distinctive from assimilation, which often implies a more complete absorption into the dominant culture, potentially at the expense of the original culture. Integration involves individuals maintaining their cultural distinctions while participating fully in the larger society, which is a slightly different concept. Enculturation, on the other hand, refers to the process by which individuals learn and adopt the norms and values of their own culture from birth or early in life. These distinctions clarify why acculturation is the most appropriate term for the adaptation to cultural changes.