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To enculturate means to modify, adapt, or socialize an individual so that they learn, internalize, and accept the established norms, values, and behaviors of their own culture.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term comes from enculturation—the lifelong process by which people acquire the knowledge and language of their native or surrounding culture.
Key Details
- How it happens: It occurs naturally through observation, daily routines, family instruction, schooling, and social interaction from childhood onward.
- Goal: It helps a person become a functional, competent member of their society who shares a common worldview and social structure.
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The meaning of ENCULTURATE is to modify or condition by enculturation. enculturate transitive verb enculturated to the established norms of behavior—
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ENCULTURATE definition: to change, modify, or adapt (behavior, ideas, etc.) by enculturation. See examples of enculturate used in a sentence.
to cause to adapt to the prevailing cultural patterns of one's society; socialize. Webster's New World College Dictionary, 5th Digital Edition.
