Definition of assimilation

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Assimilation is the process through which individuals or groups adopt the characteristics, norms, and values of another culture, often resulting in a loss of their original cultural identity. This can occur on various levels, including social, economic, philosophical, or behavioral dimensions. Assimilation can be voluntary, as individuals choose to integrate into a new society, or involuntary, where external pressures compel a group to conform to a dominant culture. Examples include language acquisition, changes in social practices, and adaptation to new customs and beliefs. In a broader context, assimilation can also refer to the incorporation of new ideas or concepts into one's existing framework of understanding.