assimilation
Meaning: The process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs, values, and practices of another, often the dominant culture of the society they have entered.
Assimilation is a contested concept in social science and politics. Some view it positively as necessary for social cohesion, whilst others criticise it as cultural erasure that pressures minorities to abandon their heritage. The debate between assimilation and multiculturalism has been particularly vigorous in European politics. In biology, assimilation refers to the absorption and incorporation of nutrients into the body.
Examples
- The government's policy of cultural assimilation was criticised for failing to respect the traditions and languages of minority communities. 政府的文化同化政策因未能尊重少数民族社区的传统和语言而遭到批评。La política de asimilación cultural del gobierno fue criticada por no respetar las tradiciones y lenguas de las comunidades minoritarias.政府の文化同化政策は、少数派コミュニティの伝統や言語を尊重していないとして批判されました。정부의 문화 동화 정책은 소수 집단의 전통과 언어를 존중하지 못한다는 비판을 받았습니다.
- Second-generation immigrants often experience a tension between assimilation into British culture and maintaining their parents' heritage. 第二代移民常常在融入英国文化和维持父母传统之间感到矛盾。Los inmigrantes de segunda generación a menudo experimentan una tensión entre la asimilación a la cultura británica y el mantenimiento del patrimonio de sus padres.二世移民はしばしば、イギリス文化への同化と親の文化遺産の維持との間で葛藤を経験します。2세대 이민자들은 영국 문화에 동화되는 것과 부모의 문화유산을 유지하는 것 사이에서 종종 갈등을 경험합니다.
- The assimilation of nutrients from food is a complex process involving multiple organs and enzymes. 食物中营养物质的同化是一个涉及多个器官和酶的复杂过程。La asimilación de nutrientes de los alimentos es un proceso complejo en el que intervienen múltiples órganos y enzimas.食物からの栄養素の同化は、複数の臓器と酵素が関与する複雑な過程です。음식으로부터의 영양소 동화는 여러 기관과 효소가 관여하는 복잡한 과정입니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin assimilatio (a making like), from assimilare (to make similar), combining ad- (to) and similis (like, similar). The sociological sense developed in the early 20th century, particularly in American immigration studies.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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