True or False: Acculturation and assimilation mean the same thing.

Acculturation and assimilation are distinct concepts, which is why the answer is false. Acculturation refers to the process where individuals or groups adopt certain cultural traits or social patterns of another group, often while still retaining some of their original cultural identity. It involves cultural exchange and the coexistence of various cultural elements.

On the other hand, assimilation involves a more complete adoption of the cultural identity of the dominant group, often leading to the absorption of the minority culture, which may result in the loss of the original cultural identity. This process typically implies a unidirectional change where the minority culture conforms to the dominant one.

Recognizing this difference is crucial for understanding the dynamics of cultural interaction and individual identity within multicultural societies.