Enculturation is the process of acquiring cultural traditions and norms. The word is spelled [ɛŋkʌltjʊ'reɪʃən] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, /ɛŋ/, is pronounced with the "eng" sound, like in "England," followed by the "uh" vowel. The second syllable, /kʌlt/, is pronounced with the "kul" sound, then the "t" consonant. The third syllable, /jʊr/, is pronounced with the "yur" sound, like in "fury", followed by the "ay" diphthong. And the final syllable, /eɪʃən/, is pronounced with the "ay" sound, then the "sh" consonant, and the "uhn" vowel.
Enculturation is a term used in anthropology and sociology to refer to the process through which individuals acquire the beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and social norms of their culture. It is the process by which individuals learn and internalize the societal and cultural patterns that are prevalent in their particular community.
Enculturation begins at a very early age and continues throughout an individual's life, mainly through the process of socialization. It involves various agents of socialization, such as family, peers, educational institutions, and media, which play significant roles in transmitting cultural knowledge and influencing one's worldview. Enculturation encompasses both the explicit teachings and implicit messages that individuals receive from their cultural surroundings.
Through enculturation, individuals develop a sense of identity and belongingness within their culture. They acquire language, manners, rituals, and values that are seen as appropriate and desirable within their society. It helps establish a shared understanding among members of a community, facilitating communication and cooperation.
However, enculturation is not a one-way street, as individuals also actively contribute to the construction and reproduction of their culture. They interpret and reinterpret cultural practices, adapt them to changing circumstances, and create new cultural forms through collective action.
Enculturation is essential for the survival and functioning of any society, as it ensures the transmission of cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. It enables individuals to navigate the social world and understand the expectations, roles, and ways of life within their cultural group.
The word "enculturation" is derived from the combination of two words: "en-" and "culturation".
The prefix "en-" is derived from the Latin word "in-" which means "in" or "into".
The root word "culturation" comes from the Latin word "cultura" which means "cultivation" or "growing". It is derived from the verb "colere", meaning "to cultivate" or "to inhabit".
Therefore, "enculturation" is formed by combining the prefix "en-" meaning "in" or "into", with the root word "culturation" meaning "cultivation" or "growing". The term refers to the process of acquiring and assimilating the culture and values of a particular society or group.