Final answer:
Assimilation is the process where a group or individual adopts the characteristics of a dominant culture. It often involves changes to conform to societal norms of the dominant group in areas such as language, behavior, and customs. Assimilation differs from acculturation, integration, and cultural appropriation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When individuals or groups abandon their native ways and adopt the customs and attitudes of another, typically dominant culture, this is known as assimilation. This process can involve changes in dress, language, and other social practices to conform to the dominant culture. In the United States, assimilation has historically been associated with the experience of immigrants integrating into the broader American society.
Assimilation is distinct from acculturation, which refers to the cultural exchange and adaptation process without the loss of a minority group's cultural identity. Furthermore, the term should not be confused with integration, which implies equality and coexistence of diverse cultures without the necessity of cultural disappearance. Lastly, cultural appropriation occurs when elements of one culture are taken by another culture, often without permission and usually for the latter's benefit, which is a separate concept from what is meant by assimilation.