Which of the following best describes cultural convergence?

Cultural convergence refers to the process through which different cultures come together and integrate, sharing and adopting various customs, beliefs, and practices. This often occurs due to globalization, migration, or increased communication between societies, resulting in a blending of cultural traits.

Option C encapsulates this idea perfectly, as it highlights the integration aspect of cultural convergence, emphasizing that elements from distinct cultures can merge and influence one another while still maintaining their unique identities. For instance, culinary practices might blend, creating fusion cuisines that draw on multiple cultural traditions.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of cultural convergence. Shielding one culture from another indicates a protective stance rather than integration. Gradual adoption of a majority culture could imply an assimilation process that may not involve mutual exchange, which is central to cultural convergence. Lastly, the complete abandonment of one's original culture represents a loss of cultural identity rather than a convergence or blending of cultures.