biculturalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “biculturalism” mean?
The presence, coexistence, or integration of two distinct cultures within a society, organization, or individual.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The presence, coexistence, or integration of two distinct cultures within a society, organization, or individual.
A social policy, philosophy, or individual identity that actively acknowledges, values, and incorporates elements from two different cultures, often involving official recognition of two languages, traditions, and legal systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties with the same meaning. Contexts differ slightly; in the UK, it might be discussed in relation to post-colonial societies or specific communities, while in North America, it is frequently used regarding official bilingual/bicultural policies (e.g., Canada) or immigrant identity.
Connotations
Neutral to positive, associated with inclusivity, adaptability, and social harmony. In some Canadian contexts, it has specific historical/political connotations linked to the English-French dynamic.
Frequency
Higher frequency in Canadian English and academic writing globally. Comparatively rare in casual conversation in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “biculturalism” in a Sentence
biculturalism in [country/region]biculturalism between [Group A] and [Group B]a policy of biculturalismto foster biculturalismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biculturalism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bicultural education policy was debated in parliament.
- She has a uniquely bicultural perspective.
American English
- The school district adopted a bicultural curriculum.
- He is raising bicultural children.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in global HR or diversity training discussing employees who navigate two cultural frameworks effectively.
Academic
Common in sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, and political science papers discussing identity, nation-building, or移民 studies.
Everyday
Very rare. Used by individuals describing their own identity or in news/political commentary.
Technical
Used in specific policy documents (e.g., New Zealand's Treaty of Waitangi framework, Canadian Royal Commission reports).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “biculturalism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “biculturalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biculturalism”
- Misspelling as 'biculturalizim' or 'biculturalistic'. Using it interchangeably with 'multiculturalism'. Incorrectly applying it to situations with more than two dominant cultures.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Biculturalism specifically focuses on the coexistence and integration of TWO distinct cultures, often with formal recognition. Multiculturalism involves many cultures co-existing, often without a specific focus on formal duality.
Yes, the term can describe a person who internalises and identifies with the norms, values, and practices of two distinct cultures.
No. Bilingualism refers to the ability to use two languages. Biculturalism is broader, encompassing cultural knowledge, identity, and practices. The two often coincide but are not identical.
Canada (English and French), New Zealand (Māori and Pākehā), and Belgium (Flemish and French) are often cited as examples where biculturalism is a key part of national policy or identity debates.
The presence, coexistence, or integration of two distinct cultures within a society, organization, or individual.
Biculturalism is usually formal, academic in register.
Biculturalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈkʌltʃ(ə)rəlɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈkʌltʃərəˌlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Living in two worlds”
- “Straddling two cultures”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BIcycle has TWO wheels; BIculturalism involves TWO cultures.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BRIDGE connecting two lands; a person as a skilled TRANSLATOR between two cultural codes.
Practice
Quiz
Biculturalism is most accurately contrasted with: