What is the process called through which people learn their own culture's patterns?

The process through which individuals learn the patterns, norms, values, and behaviors of their own culture is known as enculturation. This process typically occurs from a young age, as individuals are socialized in their cultural context through family, education, and community interactions. Enculturation helps individuals understand the customs, beliefs, and practices that are characteristic of their culture, enabling them to function effectively within their society.

Cultural adaptation refers to how people adjust to a new culture, whereas cultural assimilation involves the process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms of another culture, often losing their original cultural identities in the process. Acculturation encompasses the changes that occur when two cultures come into contact and influence each other but does not necessarily focus on the learning of one's own culture as enculturation does. Thus, the distinction lies in the focus of each term, with enculturation specifically highlighting the acquisition of one's native culture.