Assimilation is the process by which a minority group gradually adopts the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture. This often involves changes in dress, language, social behavior, and sometimes even religion and values. Understanding assimilation is crucial for analyzing cultural landscapes and interactions in AP Human Geography.
It's important to recognize that assimilation isn't always a smooth or voluntary process. Dominant cultures often exert pressure on minority groups to conform, leading to both positive integration and potential loss of cultural identity. Examining real-world examples helps us understand the complexities of cultural change and its impact on societies.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Acculturation | A. The process of losing aspects of one's culture when exposed to a new culture. |
| 2. Cultural Hearth | B. The spread of cultural traits from one place to another. |
| 3. Cultural Diffusion | C. The modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another. |
| 4. Ethnic Enclave | D. A place of origin of a culture. |
| 5. Cultural Landscape | E. A geographic area with a high concentration of people of similar ethnicity or culture. |
(Match the numbers with the letters. For example: 1-A, 2-B, etc.)
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided: language, culture, integration, society, customs.
Assimilation involves the gradual ________ of a minority group into the dominant ________. This process often includes adopting the dominant ________, including its ________ and traditions. Successful ________ leads to a more unified ________.
Provide a short answer for the question below:
Describe a real-world example of assimilation, explaining both the benefits and drawbacks for the minority group involved.
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