Transculturation in the Secret River

Transculturation explains a concept I've always known about but never knew a word existed for. The term makes sense in the context it was explained in class. It's also an extremely sad concept that is very nostalgic in nature. It basically explains the replacement of one culture with another. Although it doesn't always explicably mean this change in cultures was by force, it sort of implies it. 

Transculturation is obviously very prevalent in The Secret River. To me, this book most clearly explains the word and is a perfect example of it. When the Thornhills move to New South Wales, it is not at first clear how stark the contrast is in the cultures of the Europeans and the Aboriginals. However, when the Thornhills move down river, taking the land on the point, it is obvious how hard it is for them to coexist. The Thornhills clearly define their land, measuring it in acres and square plots of land, while the Aboriginals see it more fluidly. Will doesn't understand their culture and doesn't even attempt to. Because of his lack of empathy, his perspective is that he wants them to assimilate to their culture without even learning or caring about theirs. Transculturation is the main concept in this book and is the underlying reason for most of the problems discussed in it. I sometimes wonder what life would be like now if transculturation didn't happen and instead our ancestors had learned to adapt to each other's cultures? Would our society be more advanced considering it would have accepted creative ideas from two totally different cultures?