Assimilasjon, or cultural assimilation, describes the gradual process of adopting another culture’s customs, language, and identity. Picture it as a cultural blend. Newcomers learn the local language, celebrate local holidays, and slowly begin living like everyone around them. Sociologists Park and Burgess described this shift as the “interpenetration and fusion” of groups into a shared cultural life. Put simply, assimilasjon means fully embracing the host society’s way of life, sometimes at the cost of one’s original traditions.
This idea reaches far beyond immigration. You’ll see it in psychology, where children absorb new ideas into what they already know, and in linguistics, where speech sounds change to match nearby sounds. The word itself comes from the Latin assimilare, which means “to make alike” or “to copy.” Understanding the assimilasjon meaning matters because it shapes public policy, education systems, and even technology. In short, it quietly influences how people and cultures grow, adapt, and connect.
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Term | Assimilasjon (assimilation). |
| Definition | Adopting another culture’s traits and customs. |
| Origin | From Latin assimilare, meaning “to make alike or copy”. |
| Contexts | Social (immigration), psychological (cognitive learning), linguistic (sound changes), political (colonial policies). |
| Opposites | Multiculturalism or integration (valuing multiple cultures). |
| Related concept | French policy of assimilation and association in colonial history. |
Understanding the Definition and Origins of Assimilasjon
In social terms, assimilasjon means absorbing into another culture. But in psychology it means something similar: adding new information to existing knowledge. Jean Piaget used “assimilation” to describe how children fit new experiences into their current worldview. (For example, a child who knows “dog” may call a horse a dog until they adjust their schema.) In that sense, assimilasjon is a basic learning process.
The word itself has clear roots: it comes from Latin assimilare, which means “to make alike or copy”. Historically, many thinkers (from colonizers to educators) have debated what “becoming like” another culture actually entails. For instance, Park and Burgess defined assimilation as a process of “fusion” in a common culture, highlighting the idea of two identities merging. In Scandinavian languages like Norwegian, you’ll even see the verb assimilering used to describe this process of cultural absorption.
Different Forms of Assimilasjon and Their Functions
Assimilasjon can take many forms. The most familiar is cultural assimilation: immigrants or minorities gradually adopt the habits and values of the majority group. For example, a newcomer might start speaking the local language, dressing in local style, and observing local holidays. In fact, one source notes that assimilation can make immigrants “earn their way into the host culture and be seamlessly accepted as full members” of society. (Compare this to integration, where original customs might be retained.)
In linguistics, assimilation works differently – it’s about sounds. A sound becomes more like a neighboring sound. This happens in two ways: progressive vs regressive assimilation. Progressive assimilation means a sound influences the one after it, while regressive assimilation means a sound influences the one before it. For example, in English nasal assimilation the /n/ sound often turns into [m] before /p/ or /b/. We see this when “in+possible” is pronounced [ɪmˈpɑsɪbəl]. Another example: the word handbag is often spoken as hambag in fast speech. Other assimilatory processes in phonology include labial assimilation (e.g. “cup” → pup) and velar assimilation (e.g. “dog” → gog) in child speech. These sound changes happen because the mouth naturally simplifies sequences.
Assimilasjon also appears in psychology and education. As mentioned earlier, Piaget’s theory sees it as the mental process of fitting new information into existing schemas. In social psychology, related concepts like assimilation and contrast effects describe how individuals align or distance their views relative to others. Sometimes newcomers may subconsciously perceive themselves as more like the dominant group (an assimilation effect) or, if they feel excluded, exaggerate differences (a contrast effect). In all its forms, assimilasjon is about making things alike – whether that’s people, beliefs, or speech sounds.
A Historical Overview of Cultural Assimilation
Historical examples help illustrate assimilasjon in practice. During European colonialism, assimilation was often official policy. For example, 19th–20th century France aimed to make colonial subjects adopt French culture and law. In French West Africa, people were considered French citizens only if they “adopted French culture and customs”. In practice this meant teaching the French language, suppressing local traditions, and imposing French education. One source bluntly notes that France eventually “abolished the policy of assimilation and adopted the policy of association”. This policy of assimilation and association highlights how colonial rulers swung between forcing cultural uniformity and allowing local diversity.
Assimilation policies were not limited to Africa. In early America, thinkers sometimes imagined a “melting pot” ideal where immigrants would gradually merge into society (integration or multicultural ideas were not part of that vision). In Scandinavia and elsewhere, governments also enforced assimilation of minorities. Norway, for instance, ran a “Norwegianization” policy for over a century, forcing Sami and others to abandon their own languages and customs. The government even recently apologized for this forced assimilation policy after a century of injustice. These examples show assimilation has often been imposed from the top down – a one-way process that can provoke conflict when it erases people’s heritage.
Assimilation vs Integration and Multiculturalism
Assimilation often sits in contrast to integration or multiculturalism. As one source explains, assimilation means “adopting the ways of another culture and fully becoming part” of it, whereas integration is about joining a society as equals while retaining one’s original culture. In other words, assimilation tends toward a melting-pot ideal, while integration allows a dual identity. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, encourages multiple cultures to coexist without forcing uniformity. Table 2 (below) summarizes these differences:
| Aspect | Assimilation | Integration | Multiculturalism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Fully adopting the host culture | Joining society as equals while retaining original culture | Maintaining multiple cultures side by side |
| Expectation | Uniform identity (one dominant culture) | Dual identity (bicultural acceptance) | Diverse identities celebrated equally |
| Outcome | Heritage largely replaced by host culture | Participation in society plus preservation of heritage | Coexistence of distinct cultural communities |
| Example | Early-20th-century U.S. “melting pot” ideal | Canada’s approach to immigration | Cities with ethnic festivals and multicultural media |
How Cultural Adaptation Happens: Psychological and Social Processes
Assimilation is often gradual, involving both individual mindset and social interaction. Psychologically, people first learn about the new culture – its language, values, and norms – and then decide (often unconsciously) to accept or reject each element. Jean Piaget’s idea of cognitive assimilation (fitting new experiences into old frameworks) applies here: you interpret novel customs in terms of what you already know. Over time, you may reshape your own identity around the new culture.
Socially, assimilation tends to follow stages. Early on, immigrants typically form contact with the host group through work, school, or neighborhoods. Learning the language and making friends leads to deeper cultural exchange. In classic sociological models, this might progress from cultural assimilation (adopting dress, food, and customs) to structural assimilation (mixing in workplaces, schools, and clubs) to even marital assimilation (intermarrying) and full acceptance. These aren’t strict steps for everyone, but they illustrate how close engagement with the community can lead to blending.
Along the way, how others treat you matters a lot. If locals are welcoming, a newcomer will adapt faster; conversely, discrimination can hinder assimilation. Social psychologists label this the assimilation and contrast effects: sometimes people feel more similar to a reference group, other times more different, depending on social cues. In short, assimilation is both a personal adjustment and a social journey – it grows through learning about and engaging with the community until the new culture feels like home.
Real-Life Examples of Cultural Adaptation
Assimilation isn’t just a concept in textbooks; it shows up in everyday life. Consider the stories people tell about moving abroad. Some immigrants describe how they gradually stop cooking their traditional foods or even refuse to speak their native language with their own children because they’ve become “more [host country’s nationality]” than their origin. A common tale: a family moves overseas, and within a generation the grandchildren jokingly say, “This isn’t even our country anymore,” because they fully identify with the new culture.
Another scenario: imagine you move for work. At first you translate everything in your head, but one day you find yourself thinking in the new language without realizing it. You might pick up local slang or habits automatically. Some people share that their accents “just went away” after years abroad. Others tell of changing their name or giving a child a local middle name simply so others would feel they truly belonged. Even small changes – like preferring local music over childhood songs, or favoring local sports teams – can signal assimilation. These personal anecdotes highlight that assimilation is often unconscious and emotional. It can feel as simple as slowly choosing local foods, or as significant as redefining “home.” Each story is unique, but they all show the human side of assimilasjon: it happens one conversation and one family tradition at a time.
The Role of Technology in Assimilation
Today’s digital age adds a new layer to assimilation. Social media and smartphones let immigrants stay connected to their homelands like never before. As one study notes, migrants can “carry their ‘home’ in their pocket” via apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. This constant connectivity means cultural traits can flow both ways: someone can easily watch TV shows from back home or chat with friends overseas, even while living abroad. On one hand, this can slow full assimilation (people maintain strong links to their origin culture). On the other hand, technology can also aid assimilation by providing instant language practice, local information, and support networks. For example, a newcomer might use online tutorials and translation apps to learn the local language faster. Overall, technology makes assimilation more complex: newcomers often have one foot in each world at the same time.
Key Advantages and Criticisms of Assimilation
Advantages
Proponents argue that assimilation creates unity and clear expectations. When everyone shares a common culture, society can avoid misunderstandings and work together more smoothly. Immigrants who adopt the local language and customs often find it easier to get jobs, form social networks, and gain equal legal status. Sociologist Park suggested that assimilation lets groups “share their experience and history” in a common cultural life. Likewise, one analysis observes that assimilated immigrants can “earn their way into the host culture” and be “seamlessly accepted as full members”. In other words, assimilation can help newcomers participate fully in a society.
Criticisms
On the other hand, critics point out serious downsides (summarized in Table 3 below). Forced assimilation often erases minority cultures and languages. Historical examples show this can involve coercion: for instance, Sami children in Norway and Indigenous children in Australia were taken from their families as part of assimilation policies. Such practices are widely condemned today. Moreover, critics note that assimilation may breed resentment if people feel their identity is devalued. Many now advocate integration or multiculturalism instead, since those approaches allow newcomers to contribute to society without sacrificing their heritage.
| Advantages of Assimilation | Common Challenges/Criticisms |
|---|---|
| – Builds shared identity and social cohesion – Enables immigrants to become full members of society – Can provide equal rights and economic opportunities | – Erases minority cultures and languages – May involve force and rights violations (e.g. Sami children, Australia’s Stolen Generations) – Risks resentment or inequality when diversity is undervalued |
Assimilation Around the World
Countries vary widely in how they handle assimilation. The United States long promoted a “melting pot” ideal, expecting immigrants to conform to a common culture. France similarly insists on a single public culture (e.g. enforcing the French language and secular values). By contrast, Canada officially embraces multiculturalism: immigrants are encouraged to keep their cultural heritage while joining Canadian society. In Asia, largely homogeneous societies like Japan or South Korea have traditionally expected newcomers to fit in quickly; China, for example, actively promotes assimilation of ethnic minorities through Mandarin-language schools and national media. Meanwhile, globalization means every immigrant lives in a web of cultures. As one study found, migrants today “carry their ‘home’ in their pocket” via social media. In practice, that means assimilation is rarely one-way: a person may learn local ways quickly, yet still watch news from their homeland or shop at ethnic stores. Thus, assimilation varies around the world – from strict policy-driven models to hybrid, choice-driven experiences in diverse societies.
Personal Experiences of Cultural Adaptation
Assimilation is a deeply personal journey. People often share stories of how they changed in small, intimate ways. For example, an immigrant might initially keep in touch with family traditions, but over time find herself only speaking the new language with her own kids, saying, “This is just how we do things now.” Another common anecdote: a child of immigrants who only learns to write their ancestral script months after starting school abroad – by then, the school’s language is second nature. Even everyday habits shift: someone might laugh at local jokes before they fully understand their meaning, or start using local gestures automatically. These examples show that assimilation can be almost subconscious. It can be as simple as forgetting a recipe from back home, or as personal as redefining one’s identity. Each story is unique, but they all illustrate that assimilasjon happens one conversation and one tradition at a time.
Ethical Issues and the Future of Assimilation
Assimilation raises difficult ethical questions. When it is voluntary – a natural byproduct of living in a new society – it can be seen as a personal choice. But when it is forced or expected by law, it becomes contentious. For example, policies that criminalize minority language schools or demand changing children’s identities are widely regarded as human-rights violations. As our historical examples showed, forced assimilation (like Norway’s Sami schools or Australia’s Stolen Generations) left deep scars. Ethically, critics ask: is it right for a state to require cultural uniformity? Many argue that the right to one’s heritage should be protected, and that true belonging should be earned by citizenship and contribution – not by erasing one’s identity.
Looking to the future, assimilation patterns will evolve. On one hand, globalization and mixed identities suggest that rigid assimilation may decline. Young people today often blend cultures freely – imagine children of mixed heritage proudly calling themselves Franco-Indian or Arab-American without confusion. Social media and international travel also mean most people stay in touch with their roots even after migrating. On the other hand, political forces could still push assimilationist policies if societies react against diversity. Ultimately, the future of assimilasjon may involve more choice: individuals deciding how much of each culture to keep. In the end, many experts believe the healthiest outcome is a society where people can both feel at home and proudly maintain their heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does assimilasjon mean?
Assimilasjon is the Norwegian word for assimilation. It describes the process of gradually adopting another culture’s language, values, and everyday habits. Over time, a person begins to live and think like the host community, sometimes leaving parts of their original culture behind.
How is assimilation different from integration?
Assimilation asks you to fully adapt to the dominant culture. Integration lets you participate in society while still keeping your own traditions. In simple terms, assimilation favors sameness, while integration supports balance and cultural diversity.
What is a simple example of assimilation?
Imagine a family moving to a new country. At first, they speak their native language at home. A few years later, they mostly use the local language, follow local customs, and celebrate local holidays. Their daily life starts to mirror everyone around them. That gradual shift is assimilation in action.
What are assimilation and contrast effects in social psychology?
These effects explain how people judge their similarity to others. With an assimilation effect, you feel closer to a group and align your behavior or opinions with them. With a contrast effect, you focus on differences and feel more separate. Both reactions shape how easily someone fits into a new social environment.
What is the difference between progressive and regressive assimilation in linguistics?
These terms describe how speech sounds influence one another. Progressive assimilation happens when an earlier sound changes a later one. Regressive assimilation happens when a later sound affects an earlier one. The direction of influence is the key difference.
What are examples of nasal assimilation?
Nasal sounds often change to match nearby consonants for easier pronunciation. For example, handbag may sound like hambag, and children sometimes say temt instead of tent. These small shifts make speech smoother and faster.
