acculturation A series of changes in cultural mores (ideas, words, values, norms, behaviour, institutions) resulting from direct and continuous contact between groups of different cultures, particularly through migratory movements or economic exchanges. Acculturation can occur when one group adopts the traits of the dominant culture of a society in public life while keeping its own culture in the private sphere. Acculturation may also result in the creation of a new culture, one that synthesizes elements of the two original cultures. Source: Glossary on Migration.