Assimilation

Assimilation has many definitions depending on the field of study. For example, in biology, assimilation refers to the process of digestion and absorption of nutrients into the fluid or solid substance of the body. In linguistics, the act of assimilation is a common process where sounds are incorporated phonologically. In psychology, the process of assimilation refers to the incorporation of new concepts into existing schemes; for example, Jean Piaget suggested that assimilation is essential for learners to construct new knowledge, where absorption of new ideas into existing knowledge takes place.

A more general definition of assimilation refers to when people of different backgrounds and beliefs assimilate through living side by side. These individuals eventually come to see themselves as part of the larger community in which ...