Cultural modification of people adapting or borrowing traits from another culture is called?

• A. Diffusion
• B. Acculturation
• C. Assimilation
• D. Globalization

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how people change when they come into contact with another culture and borrow traits from it. Acculturation describes this cultural modification: individuals or groups adopt new customs, language, foods, or practices from another culture while still maintaining aspects of their own original identity. It’s different from diffusion, which is about ideas or cultural elements spreading between cultures, not necessarily involving the adopters’ personal changes. It also differs from assimilation, where the original culture is absorbed so completely that distinct differences fade away, whereas acculturation involves blending while still keeping some of the original culture. Globalization is a broader, global process of interconnectedness that includes cultural exchanges but isn’t about the specific modification of people through sustained cultural contact. For example, immigrants might learn a new language and adopt new customs and foods, yet continue to celebrate their homeland traditions.