assimilation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "assimilation" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means the process of absorbing one cultural group into another, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, "The process of assimilation was difficult for minority communities in the 19th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As for Viktor's branch of the family, under the benevolent Emperor Franz Josef they were, writes Edmund de Waal, Viktor's great-grandson, "so perfectly assimilated they …disappeared into Vienna .Among the other ponderous ornaments of that assimilation, the netsuke sat uneasily.

The Economist

"Acceptance of the Chuetas over the past 40 years has grown, which is positive, but brings with it a greater danger of assimilation".

The Guardian

"But Cameron appears to suggest we can impose a much wider assimilation with British values and the danger is that this approach will perversely entrench those separate identities that he wants to meld.

The Guardian

Here's the full text of Miliband's December speech, which cites Olympic diversity as proof of the positive story Britain has to tell about assimilation and diversity, far better than some of our neighbours in my experience, but also admitting that New Labour let in more workers faster "than some of our communities could adapt".

The Guardian

I agree that there are some areas where we need strong assimilation – speaking English and abiding by British law.

The Guardian

Both Labour and the Tories have wobbled on this issue in past decades.One reason is that in some of the most ethnically mixed parts of the country, assimilation has done a lot to dissolve prejudice.

The Economist

Even within a single generation the debate about what it means to be a black artist can be fierce.The battle between those advocating assimilation to mainstream culture and those promoting an art of ethnic identity became particularly heated in the early decades of the 20th century, and was waged most ably by two leading intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance.

The Economist

Also, it pushes others from this group into illegal immigration, which exposes them to dangers, makes assimilation more difficult and may even cause a stronger downward pull on the wages of some receiving-country low-skilled workers than would legal entry of the same migrants.On top of all this is the skills drain from the sending countries.

The Economist

Neither assimilation (French-style) nor multiculturalism (British-style) seems to have worked well.

The Economist

As Fortuyn pointed out on the campaign trail, by 2020 ethnic minorities will become majorities in the four biggest Randstad cities Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht.In keeping with their tradition of tolerance the Dutch embraced "multiculturalism" for the new immigrants like the British, but unlike the French, who have always preached "assimilation".

The Economist

Without a homeland, Jews faced a dual peril: not just pogroms and gas-chambers, but slow, subtle assimilation, as they married out and blended in.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "assimilation", consider the ethical implications and potential loss of cultural identity for minority groups. Use nuanced language to avoid implying that assimilation is always a positive or desirable process.

Common error

Avoid portraying "assimilation" as inherently positive. Acknowledge the potential downsides, such as the loss of cultural heritage and the pressures faced by individuals adapting to a new culture.

Linguistic Context

The word "assimilation" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the process of one group absorbing the cultural traits of another. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in discussions about cultural change and social dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "assimilation" is a noun frequently used to describe the process by which a person or group's culture comes to resemble those of another group. As highlighted by Ludwig, the examples show the usage of "assimilation" in diverse contexts, including news reports, business analysis, and scientific studies. While grammatically correct and very common, it's important to recognize that, as Ludwig AI suggests, portraying "assimilation" as inherently positive can be misleading, since it can imply downsides. Instead, it is more helpful to use "assimilation" with a proper nuanced language and acknowledge the potential ethical implications, such as loss of cultural heritage and the pressures faced by individuals adapting to a new culture. Alternative terms like "cultural integration", "acculturation", or "incorporation" can provide alternative perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultural integration

Focuses on the blending of cultures rather than complete absorption.

acculturation

Emphasizes the process of adopting cultural traits from another group.

social absorption

Highlights the incorporation of individuals into the broader social fabric.

cultural adaptation

Stresses the adjustment to a new cultural environment.

incorporation

Indicates the inclusion of a group into a larger entity.

integration

Suggests a more balanced process of mutual adjustment between groups.

blending in

Implies a less formal and more subtle process of becoming similar.

fitting in

Emphasizes acceptance and belonging within a group or society.

absorption

Focuses on the process of being completely taken in by something.

harmonization

Suggests the alignment of different elements to create a unified whole.

FAQs

How is "assimilation" used in a sentence?

"Assimilation" is used to describe the process by which a person or group's culture come to resemble those of another group. For example, "The immigrants underwent a rapid process of "assimilation" into American society."

What are some synonyms for "assimilation"?

Alternatives for "assimilation" include "cultural integration", "acculturation", and "incorporation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "assimilation" always a positive process?

No, "assimilation" is not always positive. While it can lead to social cohesion, it can also result in the loss of cultural identity and create pressure on minority groups to conform.

What is the difference between "assimilation" and integration?

"Assimilation" implies a complete adoption of the dominant culture, while "integration" suggests a more balanced blending of cultures where minority groups retain their distinct identities while participating in the broader society.