Which term describes a shift in cultural practices through interactions or influences from other cultures?

The term that describes a shift in cultural practices through interactions or influences from other cultures is diffusion. Diffusion specifically refers to the process by which cultural elements, such as ideas, practices, and technologies, spread from one culture to another. This can occur through various means such as trade, migration, or communication, leading to the adoption or adaptation of cultural traits.

In essence, diffusion highlights how cultures borrow from one another and how this can lead to changes over time in the practices and beliefs of different groups. It’s important to recognize that diffusion can occur without a complete transformation of one culture into another; rather, it is often a blending or exchange of cultural elements.

The other terms provided represent different processes related to cultural change. Acculturation involves the processes by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits of another group while still maintaining some aspects of their original culture. Assimilation refers to a more profound transformation where one culture absorbs another to the extent that the original cultural identity may be lost. Hybridization refers to the process where elements from different cultures merge to form new, distinct cultural practices. While all these terms relate to cultural change, diffusion most directly captures the concept of cultural shifts through influence or interaction.