What is the term for the spread of cultural items from one group or society to another?

The correct term for the spread of cultural items, such as beliefs, practices, and objects, from one group or society to another is cultural diffusion. This process often occurs through various means, including trade, migration, or exploration, and leads to the sharing and blending of different cultural elements. Cultural diffusion enables societies to adopt new aesthetics, technologies, or practices, thereby enriching their own cultural experiences.

Cultural assimilation refers to the process where one group adopts the cultural traits of another, often leading to a loss of the original culture, while cultural integration involves the combining of different cultural groups into a cohesive whole without necessarily losing unique identities. Cultural exchange implies a reciprocal sharing of cultural elements between groups but does not specifically indicate the one-way flow that characterizes diffusion.