bicultural

Bicultural describes individuals who identify with two cultures or routinely operate within two cultural systems. This status may arise from immigration, mixed heritage, or long-term exposure to different national or ethnic communities. Biculturalism often involves bilingual or multilingual abilities and the use of different language codes in different settings.

Bicultural people may integrate elements from both cultures into personal values, social roles, and identity. They may maintain social networks in both cultural communities and adapt behaviors to fit various contexts, such as family life in one culture and work or school in another.

Benefits include cognitive flexibility, tolerance for ambiguity, social versatility, and access to broader resources. In education and the workforce, bicultural competence can facilitate communication across groups and cross-cultural collaboration.

Challenges can include identity negotiation, pressure to conform to a single cultural norm, and experiences of discrimination or stereotyping. Some individuals may feel divided loyalties or stress related to acculturation gaps within families.

Biculturalism is studied in psychology, sociology, and anthropology, with attention to acculturation, adaptation, and well-being. It is distinct from multiculturalism, which describes a society composed of multiple cultural groups, whereas biculturalism focuses on individuals who embody two cultures.

Related concepts include acculturation, bilingualism, and cross-cultural psychology.