Definition of assimilation – In schools we often hear the word assimilation, especially in social studies or social studies. Do you still remember the meaning or example? If you have forgotten, we will try to repeat the explanation of the meaning of assimilation, including examples and characteristics.
Ok, don’t waste time just getting to the point.
Definition of Assimilation
Maybe you have heard the word assimilation in the discussion of culture or culture in lessons at school. Lnatas, what exactly is the meaning and meaning of assimilation?
Assimilation is a condition where the original culture is mixed with another culture, resulting in the loss of the characteristics of the original culture and the birth of a new culture. So, this assimilation usually occurs slowly over a long period of time, so that unconsciously there is a loss of the characteristics of a culture and it is said that a new culture appears.
There are also those who mean that assimilation is the process of mixing the interaction of two different societies in culture and occurring over a long period of time.
In reality, these two societies mingle and minimize the differences between one another, either group differences or personal differences. The purpose of this is to achieve a common goal.
The word assimilation, in English is called “assimilation” and this word comes from English. It means mixing, coalescing, harmonious mixing, and acceptance.
It can also be interpreted that the word assimilation is a process of adjusting the original character and nature in the environment so that a new culture is formed that is more suitable for mutual benefit and will later form a good order in life.
Understanding Assimilation According to Experts
To be clearer about the meaning of assimilation, here we consider some of the definitions of assimilation according to experts.
1. Vander Zanden
The definition of assimilation according to Vander Zanden is social interaction between groups that occurs starting in the way of thinking, mutual respect, assimilation in how to act, which ultimately allows them to unite and unite in a new identity.
Also see: Definition of Education
2. Seymour Smith
Meanwhile, the meaning of assimilation according to Seymour Smith is the second stage of social cultural change that occurs in social life and in the background by acculturation and ultimately creates a new culture, and this culture can be accepted by the community peacefully without any conflict.
3. Alvin L- Bertrand
The definition of assimilation according to Alvin L-Bertrand is an advanced social process that occurs because of differences between groups or communities from a cultural side, and interactions occur for a long time between the two societies, eventually forming a new culture that accepts each other’s cultural elements. itself or there is a change in the whole culture.
4. Definition of assimilation according to Koentjaraningrat
Assimilation is social change in society due to continuous social interaction for quite a long time and is serious enough to encourage people to mix existing cultures with the aim of accommodating all parties involved and for the realization of good for all groups or communities.
Those are some of the definitions of assimilation according to experts, now we see what are the characteristics of this assimilation.
Characteristics of Assimilation
It could be said, assimilation is a social process that occurs due to continuous social interaction for a long time so that a social condition that has characteristics and indications – John Lewis Gllin and John Philip Gillin – is as follows:
- Differences in society have diminished due to various efforts to reduce and eliminate these differences, either between individuals or between groups.
- The unity of actions, feelings, and attitudes is getting better and stronger because it places great importance on common goals rather than individual goals.
- There is direct and continuous interaction between communities or between individuals.
- There is an awareness of everyone to pay attention to other cultures for the common good.
So, those are some of the characteristics of assimilation, by knowing its characteristics, we can easily understand the assimilation that occurs in a society.
Terms of Assimilation Terms
In order for the assimilation to occur or the condition of a society blending into one environment by giving birth to a new culture suitable for both, it must contain the following conditions.
- The people involved are those with different cultures
- The existence of direct social interaction between individuals and social groups and occurs continuously
- There are cultural changes in community groups as an effort to adapt to existing and occurring developments.
Now, with the fulfillment of these conditions, two or more people can already say that they have experienced assimilation in them.
Also read: Function and Position of Indonesian Language
Supporting Factors and Inhibiting for Assimilation
The occurrence of an assimilation in society certainly has supporting factors, and vice versa if there are things that hinder the occurrence of assimilation then this situation will not occur. Before we look at examples of assimilation examples, first we look at some of the factors that support assimilation.
1. Supporting Factors for Assimilation
- There is a sense of tolerance in each individual
- There is equal opportunity for all individuals in the economic field
- There is an attitude of respect and respect for other people with a rich cultural diversity
- There is an open attitude from both societies
- There are similarities in cultural elements in general
- There is awareness of each group in facing enemies from outside.
2. Factors That Inhibit Assimilation
If the supporting factors are as above, then the inhibiting factor could be the opposite. The following are the factors that lead to assimilation.
- There is or is a minority group that closes itself and does not accept change and moves away from progress
- There is still a lack of citizen knowledge about progress and changes in various aspects of life
- There is bad prejudice from the community towards newcomers so that it is difficult for integration to occur
- There are differences in physical characteristics that are so striking or drastic that they cause social problems in some communities
- The majority group rejects or oppresses new groups into their lives. Or it could be that the majority group has a different culture from the minority.
Examples of Assimilation
We already know how assimilation is, the conditions for assimilation, supporting factors, resistance and understanding of assimilation according to the experts. Now it is time we look at examples of assimilation in society.
In the life of society in Indonesia, the process of assimilation occurs a lot and we can see from the side of culture, lifestyle, way of thinking, etc., we can see from the following examples:
1. Use of spoons and forks: In the past, when we ate we only used our hands, but after a long period of being influenced by European culture, slowly and now we are using a spoon when eating. Even now this is something that is common.
2. The amount of absorption of English language or vocabulary in daily conversations such as radar, smartphone, video, cellphone, guitar, juice, sorry, bus and others.
3. Wearing a koko shirt, even though this is the cultural clothing of the Chinese Chinese people in the past, the combination of long-term interactions between the two types of groups causes Indonesians to also use koko clothes.
4. The fusion of two cultures: Lenong dance and Cokek dance are two dances born from a combination of two cultures, namely Betawi culture and Chinese culture.
5. Dangdut music: this is the fusion of two cultures, namely the traditional culture of Indonesian society with Indian culture.
6. Assimilation in education, an example of assimilation in the field of education in Indonesia is from the perspective of learners who often memorize lessons and tend to use left brain power. Western countries are not like that, their learning system emphasizes problem solving not theory. Finally, the two of them are integrated and unified in the culture of Indonesian society.
