Vocabulary
Noun

acculturation

/əˌkʌl.tʃərˈeɪ.ʃən/

The process of learning and adopting elements of a new culture while still keeping parts of your original culture

The exchange student experienced acculturation as she picked up new habits while still celebrating her own cultural holidays.

Noun

assimilation

/əˌsɪm.ɪˈleɪ.ʃən/

The process by which a person or group adopts the culture, language, and customs of a different, usually larger, group

After moving to Canada, the immigrant family went through a gradual process of assimilation into Canadian society.

Noun

belief

/bɪˈliːf/

Something that a person or group accepts as true or real, often related to religion, values, or ideas about the world

Her belief in the importance of education motivated her to study hard every day.

Noun

cuisine

/kwɪˈziːn/

The style of cooking and the types of food that are typical of a particular country or culture

She enjoyed trying Italian cuisine for the first time and especially loved the fresh pasta dishes.

Noun

customs

/ˈkʌs.təmz/

The usual ways of behaving or doing things that are accepted by a particular society or group of people

When you visit another country, it is important to learn about the local customs so you do not offend anyone.

Noun

dialect

/ˈdaɪ.ə.lekt/

A form of a language spoken by people in a specific region or group, which may have different words, grammar, or pronunciation from the standard form

Although they both spoke Spanish, they sometimes had trouble understanding each other because they came from regions with very different dialects.

Noun

diversity

/daɪˈvɜː.sɪ.ti/

The existence of many different types of people, ideas, or things within a group or place

The school celebrated its diversity by holding a cultural fair where students shared food and traditions from their home countries.

Noun

ethnicity

/eθˈnɪs.ɪ.ti/

A person's background or identity based on shared cultural traditions, language, ancestry, or national origin

The survey asked participants about their ethnicity to better understand the diversity of the community.

Noun

festival

/ˈfes.tɪ.vəl/

A special celebration or event held by a community, often connected to culture, religion, or the time of year

The whole town came together to enjoy music, dancing, and food at the annual harvest festival.

Noun

folklore

/ˈfoʊk.lɔːr/

The traditional stories, beliefs, customs, and sayings of a community that are passed down through generations, usually by word of mouth

The grandmother entertained the children with folklore from her village, including tales of magical creatures.

Noun

heritage

/ˈher.ɪ.tɪdʒ/

The traditions, achievements, and values that are part of the history of a group of people and passed on to future generations

The old temple is an important part of the town's cultural heritage and attracts many visitors.

Noun

identity

/aɪˈden.tɪ.ti/

The qualities, beliefs, and characteristics that make a person or group different from others and define who they are

Learning about her cultural background helped her develop a strong sense of identity.

Adjective

indigenous

/ɪnˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.nəs/

Describing people, plants, or animals that originally come from and have always lived in a particular place or region

The government introduced new policies to protect the land rights of indigenous communities.

Noun

kinship

/ˈkɪn.ʃɪp/

A close connection or relationship between people, especially one based on family ties or shared experiences

Living in a small village created a strong sense of kinship among the neighbors.

Noun

multiculturalism

/ˌmʌl.tiˈkʌl.tʃər.əl.ɪz.əm/

The idea that different cultural groups can live together peacefully in one society while keeping their own traditions and identities

Canada is often praised as an example of successful multiculturalism because people from many backgrounds live there together.

Noun

norms

/nɔːrmz/

The standards of behavior that are considered normal and acceptable within a particular society or group

In many workplaces, arriving on time and dressing professionally are considered important social norms.

Noun

ritual

/ˈrɪtʃ.u.əl/

A set of actions that are always performed in the same way, often as part of a religious ceremony or social tradition

The morning ritual of making tea helps her feel calm before she starts her busy day.

Noun

taboo

/təˈbuː/

A subject, action, or behavior that is considered unacceptable or forbidden by a particular society or culture

In some cultures, discussing money openly in public is considered a taboo.

Noun

tradition

/trəˈdɪʃ.ən/

A custom, belief, or way of doing something that has been passed down from generation to generation within a group or society

In my family, it is a tradition to eat together every Sunday evening.

Noun

values

/ˈvæl.juːz/

The beliefs and principles that a person or group considers important in life and that guide their behavior

Honesty and respect for elders are core values in many cultures around the world.

Flashcards Multiple Choice
1 / 20
Vocabulary Matching

Match the vocabulary word with its correct definition.

# Ans. Word Definition
Fill in the Blank

Complete each sentence with the correct word from the word bank.

Synonyms

Synonyms are word pairs whose meanings are the same or nearly the same. Big and large are synonyms. From each group of four words below, click the two that are synonyms.

Vocabulary in Context