What is cultural adaptation?

Cultural adaptation refers to the process by which individuals or groups adjust to the norms, values, and practices of a new culture while maintaining aspects of their original cultural identity. This is essential for understanding how people navigate the complexities of integrating into a different cultural context. It involves learning new behaviors, customs, and possibly languages to fit into the new environment, which can enrich the individuals' experiences and enable better social interactions.

The adjustment to the norms of a new culture often includes both the adoption of new ways and the blending or negotiation of existing practices from one's original culture, which fosters a more inclusive social environment. Thus, the concept captures the dynamic nature of cultural exchange without necessitating a complete abandonment of one's heritage.