Which term specifically refers to individual acculturation?

The term that specifically refers to individual acculturation is assimilation. Assimilation describes the process by which individuals from one cultural group adopt the beliefs, practices, language, or norms of another group, often leading to a merging of cultures. This process generally entails individuals adopting the dominant culture to such an extent that their original cultural identity may be less pronounced or even diminished.

While acculturation refers to the broader process of cultural exchange and adaptation that can occur at both group and individual levels, assimilation focuses specifically on the individual's experience and often results in a loss of the initial cultural identity. Transculturation involves a more reciprocal process of exchange between cultures rather than a one-way adoption, and cultural universalism emphasizes the recognition of shared elements among all cultures, which does not specifically address individual cultural adaptation.