What term describes the process of contacts between different cultures and the outcomes of such contacts?

The term that describes the process of contacts between different cultures and the outcomes of such contacts is acculturation. This process involves the exchange and interaction of cultural practices, beliefs, and values when individuals or groups come into direct contact with another culture. Acculturation can lead to changes in either or both cultures as they adapt and incorporate elements from one another, often resulting in a blending of cultural traits.

This term specifically captures the nuances of mutual influence and adaptation, highlighting a dynamic interaction rather than a one-sided or forced transformation, which is characteristic of colonization. Assimilation refers more to the process where a minority culture adopts the customs and values of a dominant culture, often losing their original cultural identity. Integration, while also relevant, generally refers to the social incorporation of diverse groups within a larger societal framework but does not emphasize the cultural exchange aspect as much as acculturation. Thus, acculturation is the most fitting term for the question regarding cross-cultural contacts and their outcomes.