acculturation and assimilation: a clarification

The purpose of this paper is to provide a clarification of the relationship between acculturation and assimilation through the development of a conceptual framework. By means of a careful review of theoretically relevant literature prevalent characteristics related to each concept are delineated and discussed in order to identify and synthesize common, as well as contrasting, elements. A comparison of these elements or characteristics is then undertaken pursuant to proffering a clarification. In short, then, this paper seeks to compare and contrast salient characteristics of the concepts of acculturation and assimilation in order to clarify and delineate the relationship between them.