What best describes the concept of 'cultural assimilation'?

Cultural assimilation refers to the process where individuals or groups adopt the cultural practices and beliefs of another culture, often leading to a significant loss of their original cultural identity. This can involve adopting language, customs, values, and social norms from the dominant culture while gradually diminishing the connection to and practice of their native culture. The outcome of this process can often result in the original culture becoming less distinct or disappearing altogether, as the assimilating individuals or groups may prioritize the norms and practices of the dominant culture over their own.

The other options reflect different aspects of cultural interaction or preservation, which do not align with the concept of assimilation. For example, integration without loss emphasizes coexistence rather than the loss associated with assimilation. Preservation of one's native culture suggests a complete separation and maintenance of culture, which contradicts the essence of assimilation. Continuous exchange implies a dynamic and reciprocal interaction between cultures, rather than the one-way adoption characteristic of cultural assimilation.