Cultural assimilation refers to the process, in which minority culture absorbs into the dominant culture, within a particular society. The process of change in native culture (minority culture) could be gradual or quick; depends on the circumstances. Usually, immigrants adopt the dominant culture to survive in new society. By adopting the host culture, they don’t feel outsiders and feel like; they are part of majority group. Mostly, minority group culture absorbs in to the majority culture and, become part of majority culture. People may be influenced from the dominant culture because of its political relevance or, perceived superiority. Minority cultures absorb in the majority cultures through socialization. For instance, when a group settles in the new country or land they usually interact with the inhabitant of the country, which results in; gradual learning and adaptation of host culture. With the passage of time, Minority culture assimilate in to the dominant culture. Furthermore, there are four benchmarks to assess cultural assimilation, intermarriage, second language attainment, socioeconomic status and geographical distribution. Assimilation can be by choice or, by force. For instance, when a country is invaded by means of military conquest; invaders usually impose their native culture on their subjects. The subjects gradually accept the foreign culture and their culture get completely absorbed in host culture. In case of assimilation by choice; a group might be influenced by the dominant culture and gradually, their native culture become similar to the host culture or, dominant culture.
Written By Khushdil Khan Kasi
