Assimilation is a common term used to refer to the integration or absorption of people, ideas or cultures. The word is pronounced /əˌsɪməˈleɪʃən/ with the emphasis on the third syllable. The initial "a" is pronounced as a schwa sound, while the following "ss" gives a hissing sound, followed by the "i" sound which is pronounced as "ih". The second "i" is pronounced as a short "i" letter sound, while the letter "a" is pronounced as "uh". Finally, the last syllable has an "sh" sound, followed by "uh" and "n".
Assimilation is a noun derived from the verb "assimilate," which refers to the process of integrating or absorbing new information, experiences, or cultures into an existing framework or system. It is often used in the context of social or cultural integration.
In the realm of anthropology and sociology, assimilation denotes the process by which individuals or groups adopt the dominant customs, beliefs, values, and behaviors of a society or community. It involves the gradual transition from one culture to another, often resulting in reduced differences between the assimilating individual or group and the dominant culture. During this process, individuals may adopt new language skills, cultural practices, and even change their identity or way of life to conform to the norms of the dominant society.
Assimilation can occur in various contexts, such as immigration, colonization, or through exposure to different cultures. While it can facilitate social cohesion and foster a sense of belonging, assimilation can also lead to the loss of one's original cultural heritage or identity. The extent and speed of assimilation vary, and it is important to recognize that voluntary or forced assimilation can have different implications and consequences.
Overall, assimilation is the process of incorporating or integrating new ideas, practices, or cultures into an existing system or society, often resulting in a convergence or blending of diverse elements.
The process of incorporation of materials, prepared by digestion from food, into the tissues of the organism.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The process by which plants and animals convert food into the various tissues of their own proper substance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "assimilation" has its roots in the Latin verb "assimilare", which means "to make alike" or "to liken". This Latin verb is derived from the prefix "ad-" meaning "to" or "towards", and the noun "similis" meaning "like" or "similar". The Latin term was later borrowed into English, specifically around the late 15th century, to refer to the process of absorbing or incorporating new ideas, customs, or cultures. The word "assimilation" is often used in various contexts, such as describing the integration of immigrants into a new society or the absorption of new knowledge into existing understanding.