Final answer:
The process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group is called acculturation. It is a form of cultural exchange distinct from assimilation, where a group or individual's identity is lost, and cultural appropriation, which might involve inappropriate use of another's culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group is acculturation. This occurs when individuals or groups come into continuous firsthand contact with one another and begin to exchange and incorporate elements of each other's culture. When discussing this concept, it's important to distinguish it from other terms like assimilation, where a minority group or individual takes on the characteristics of the dominant culture, often losing their original identity in the process.
Cultural appropriation, on the other hand, involves claiming or using elements of another culture, sometimes inappropriately and without respect for their original meaning or context. It is crucial to approach cultural exchange with sensitivity and an understanding of the power dynamics involved. Knowing these various terms related to cultural interactions helps in the study and appreciation of cultural evolution and the complex nature of human societies.