How do acculturation outcomes typically differ between first-generation and second-generation immigrants?

• A. Second-generation maintains heritage culture; first-generation is more host-culture oriented.
• B. First-generation maintains heritage culture; second-generation more host-culture oriented; differences in identity and language.
• C. First-generation and second-generation show identical acculturation outcomes.
• D. Second-generation maintains heritage culture more than first.

Answer: (B)

Acculturation outcomes follow a bidimensional pattern driven by generation and exposure to the host society. The first generation arrives with strong ties to their heritage culture—heritage language, customs, and social networks—and while they often learn some of the host culture, they remain more heritage-oriented overall. The second generation grows up in the host country, goes through its schools and peer networks, and typically adopts the host culture more fully, including greater proficiency in the host language and a shift in identity toward the host culture. At the same time, many second-generation individuals retain elements of their heritage and may develop a bicultural identity. So, the typical difference is that the first generation maintains heritage culture, while the second generation is more host-culture oriented, with differences in identity and language reflecting that shift.