What is the process of acquiring the cultural traits of one’s own culture?

The process of acquiring the cultural traits of one’s own culture is accurately described as enculturation. This term specifically refers to the lifelong process through which individuals learn and adopt the values, norms, customs, and behaviors of their own culture, primarily through socialization within familial, educational, and community settings.

Enculturation begins at a young age and is influenced by various factors including family traditions, cultural practices, education systems, and peer interactions. It is dedicated to the individual's integration into their original culture rather than adopting the traits of another culture or blending different cultures together.

In contrast, other terms such as acculturation, assimilation, and integration describe different relationships with culture. Acculturation involves the process of adapting to and adopting elements of another culture, often resulting from direct contact and interaction between different cultures. Assimilation refers to a process where individuals or groups from one culture adopt the traits of another culture to the point that they become indistinguishable from the dominant culture. Integration suggests a more inclusive approach where individuals maintain aspects of their original culture while also participating in the wider culture.