Final answer:
The word 'inculcate' originates from the Latin 'inculcare', meaning to tread in, and refers to teaching via persistent repetition. It is tied to historical methods of cultural assimilation in education, exemplified by the enculturation efforts of boarding schools for native youth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The origin of the word inculcate can be traced back to Latin. The term comes from inculcate, with 'in' meaning 'in or on' and 'calcare' meaning 'to tread'. Thus, the meaning is akin to treading something in, to impress it upon someone by frequent repetition or admonition, signifying a form of persistent teaching.
In the historical and cultural context of education, inculcate often refers to the systematic and deliberate teaching of particular values, beliefs, or information which can lead to cultural assimilation. This was notably prevalent in boarding schools established for native youth, where the practices were aimed at strategic cultural assimilation, an example of deliberate enculturation. Inculcate embodies this concept of education that is not just about imparting knowledge but also about instilling cultural norms in students.