How is the term 'assimilation' best understood?

The term 'assimilation' is best understood as complete integration into a new culture. It refers to the process where individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms of a dominant or host culture, often to the extent that they lose their original cultural identity. This can involve adopting language, values, customs, and social behaviors associated with the new culture, leading to a blending of identities over time.

In the context of assimilation, individuals or groups might find themselves abandoning their previous cultural practices to fit into the new cultural environment. This can result in a loss of unique cultural features and a shift towards the predominant culture. Understanding assimilation in this way highlights the deep level of change and adaptation involved, distinguishing it from concepts like integration, which may allow for the coexistence of different cultures while still retaining elements of one's original identity.