Intercultural relationships

Definition

Refers to interactions between different cultures or ethnic groups that result in an exchange of ideas, customs, beliefs or practices. In colonial America context specifically, it highlights how European settlers interacted with Native American tribes as well as enslaved Africans.

Related terms

Cultural assimilation: The process through which individuals or groups adopt aspects of another culture, usually due to pressure or influence from the dominant culture.

Melting pot: A metaphor used to describe a society in which diverse cultural groups blend together and contribute to the creation of a new, unified culture.

Acculturation: The process by which an individual or group adopts certain cultural traits while still maintaining aspects of their original culture.