internalization
mediumformal
Definition
Meaning
The process of making something internal, especially adopting beliefs, attitudes, or standards as one's own.
In psychology, the adoption of societal norms and values; in economics and business, the incorporation of external costs or processes within an organization; more broadly, the assimilation of external elements into one's own system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a deep, psychological or organizational change; can be passive or active; related to concepts like socialization and assimilation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English prefers 'internalisation' with 's', while American English uses 'internalization' with 'z'. Pronunciation may vary slightly in vowel quality and rhoticity.
Connotations
Similar in both variants, with no significant difference in meaning or usage.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to prevalent use in business and psychology literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
internalization of [noun]internalization by [agent]internalization through [process]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms, but related phrase: 'to take something to heart' which implies internalization.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the practice of including external costs, such as environmental impact, into the pricing of goods and services.
Academic
In psychology, it describes how individuals adopt societal norms; in sociology, it relates to cultural assimilation.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual conversation; might refer to personal adoption of habits or beliefs.
Technical
Used in economics for cost internalization, in psychology for cognitive processes, and in organizational theory for process integration.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Companies must internalise the environmental costs of production.
American English
- Firms need to internalize the social impacts of their operations.
adverb
British English
- He internally processed the feedback before responding.
American English
- She internally reconciled the conflicting reports.
adjective
British English
- The internal review focused on the internalisation of policies.
American English
- The internal audit examined the internalization of procedures.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He learned the rules by internalization.
- The internalization of cultural values happens during childhood.
- Economists argue for the internalization of external costs to reflect true market prices.
- The psychoanalytic theory emphasizes the internalization of parental figures as part of superego formation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'internal' + 'ization' – turning something from outside to inside, like internalizing advice means making it part of yourself.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERNALIZATION IS DIGESTION (absorbing and integrating external elements) or MAKING THE OUTSIDE INSIDE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'интернализация', which is a direct translation but may not cover all nuances; in Russian, 'усвоение' or 'внутреннее принятие' might be more accurate.
- Avoid literal translation in contexts where 'internalization' has specific technical meanings.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'internilization' or 'internalisation' in American English.
- Using it as a verb directly; the verb form is 'internalize'.
- Confusing with 'internal' which is an adjective.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'internalization' primarily refer to in psychology?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, it's spelled with 'z' (internalization), while British English often uses 's' (internalisation).
Internalization often implies making something part of one's inner self or system, while assimilation is broader and can refer to cultural or group integration.
No, 'internalization' is a noun. The verb form is 'internalize' (or 'internalise' in British English).
It is frequently used in psychology, sociology, economics, and business to describe processes of adopting norms, incorporating costs, or integrating processes.