enculturation
Americannoun
noun
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
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:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Human beings have evolved to combat pathogens through adaptive responses that require absolutely no enculturation.
From Scientific American • Oct. 19, 2013
Considering how my students have been taught to learn, to encounter culture, to absorb texts has caused me to reflect on my own enculturation, the prelude to my formation and practice as a university professor.
From Salon • May 25, 2013
Part of the whole enculturation and socialization process is learning that it’s also cool and empowering to build something.
From New York Times • Jun. 11, 2010
When a child learns language, they undergo a very extensive form of enculturation.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
The truth is that we all know a great deal about music through enculturation.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
