Final answer:
Vladimir's adoption of the name "Joe" and refusal to speak Russian is an example of assimilation, where he conforms to the dominant American culture at the expense of his Russian identity. Language acts as a key factor in one's cultural identity and assimilating can sometimes mean adopting new language practices due to societal pressure or for better opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Language and Identity
Vladimir's insistence on being called "Joe" and his refusal to speak Russian even with Russian immigrant neighbors is an example of assimilation. Assimilation involves individuals from one cultural group adopting the cultural traits of another group to which they are exposed. This often leads individuals to abandon their original cultural practices, language, and even names, in favor of those of the dominant society they are trying to fit into. Vladimir's actions suggest that he is trying to fully integrate into American culture and society, shedding aspects of his Russian identity in the process.
Cultural assimilation is a complex and often challenging endeavor, as it involves balancing the desire to be accepted within the dominant culture while negotiating the loss of one's existing cultural identity. This phenomenon is not unique to the United States; people worldwide may adopt new linguistic and cultural practices in response to a range of factors, including social pressure and the pursuit of socioeconomic success.
Language is a core component of cultural identity, yet it can also be a barrier to full societal integration. As people assimilate, they might choose to adopt a new language or dialect to avoid being marginalized or to align with the privileged language of their new community. These choices are influenced by multiple factors. Such as the social perception of their native language and the opportunities afforded to speakers of the dominant language within their society.