The two are commonly associated with immigration and one's struggle to "fit in" or belong in another country. Do they have the same meaning? Why or why not?
Tuhin Chakraborty
Aug 21, 2017
In my opinion, adaptation has more of a survival context. An immigrant adapts so that he can live in his new home but also maintain the culture of his old home. Assimilation means more like "blending in" . An immigrant who assimilates not only survives but takes on the character and culture of his new home.
Maddie Danzberger
Sep 3, 2017
I agree with Tuhin - the phrase adaption makes me think of adaption in nature. Beings losing or giving up specific traits to better blend in to or survive in their environment. Assimilation is taking in information and combining it with what is already there, so you don't lose parts of yourself in the process.
In my opinion, adaptation has more of a survival context. An immigrant adapts so that he can live in his new home but also maintain the culture of his old home. Assimilation means more like "blending in" . An immigrant who assimilates not only survives but takes on the character and culture of his new home.
I agree with Tuhin - the phrase adaption makes me think of adaption in nature. Beings losing or giving up specific traits to better blend in to or survive in their environment. Assimilation is taking in information and combining it with what is already there, so you don't lose parts of yourself in the process.