enculturation

American  

[en-kuhl-chuh-rey-shuhn] / ɛnˌkʌl tʃəˈreɪ ʃən /

Sometimes inculturation

noun

1. the process whereby individuals learn their group's culture, through experience, observation, and instruction.

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enculturation British  

/ ɛnˌkʌltʃʊˈreɪʃən, ɛnˈkʌltʃʊrətɪv /

noun

1. another word for socialization

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Usage

What is enculturation? Enculturation is the gradual process by which people learn the culture of their own group by living in it, observing it, and being taught things by members of the group.Your culture consists of the beliefs, arts, customs, and general ways of living of the people who are like you in some way (the people who live in the same place as you or those who have a similar identity). Enculturation is sometimes also called socialization. It should not be confused with acculturation, which is the process of learning the culture of another group, not your own.Enculturation occurs naturally (absorbing the things around you), and it can be promoted intentionally (being teaching values and customs). It can happen on both small and large scales, such as in a school, in a country, or from being a member of a large or small group.

Other Word Forms

• enculturative adjective

Etymology

Origin of enculturation

First recorded in 1945–50; en- ¹ + (ac)culturation

Compare meaning

How does enculturation compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• enculturation vs. acculturation

Example Sentences

This doesn’t mean that children can’t learn music after the age of 9, of course, but that the language of musical enculturation is well under way by that age.

From Literature

Thomas also points to the hidden curriculum and the ease that comes with lifelong enculturation.

From Science Magazine

Without such enculturation, they would not have known where to go.

From The Guardian

We’ve also learned how to treat others through socialization and enculturation.

From Salon

To dump migrants into a new country without proper enculturation is irresponsible and imposes an unnecessary cost on the receiving population.

From Washington Post