What does the term "cultural assimilation" refer to?

The term "cultural assimilation" specifically refers to the process by which a minority group adopts the customs, values, and attitudes of a dominant culture. This phenomenon occurs when individuals from a minority culture integrate into a larger, often more influential cultural group, resulting in changes to their original cultural practices and societal norms to align more closely with those of the dominant group.

Cultural assimilation can involve various levels of interaction, from superficial adoption of certain practices to a deeper internalization of beliefs and values. This can often lead to a blending of cultures, but it primarily emphasizes the shift in the minority group's identity towards that of the dominant culture.

In contrast, the other options represent different cultural dynamics. For example, the complete homogenization of cultures reflects a more extreme and often unrealistic scenario where distinct cultures lose their unique characteristics entirely. The preservation of cultural heritage in minority groups highlights the opposite of assimilation, focusing on maintaining distinct identities. Lastly, the isolation from external influences suggests a separation or detachment from other cultures, which also does not align with the concept of assimilation, where integration and exchange are key components.