There are often many problems, as well as many benefits, in the incorporation of non-local (alien) cultures into an existing cultural framework. This paper explores this process; it consists of five parts, beginning with a detailed definition and discussion of the meaning of culture as seen by psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, and other specialists. Also addressed is the concept of alien cultures and their effects on local traditions, cultural interaction, and diffusion. The second section focuses on features or patterns of cultural heritage, including the argued universals that: (1) cultural behaviors are acquired; (2) cultural patterns are taught and transmitted generationally; (3) cultures have material and non-material aspects; (4) cultures are uniformly shared by group members; (5) cultural behaviors become a way of life; and (6) cultures are dynamic. The third section consists of a selective review of the development of cultural patterns, focusing on the case study of Nigeria. The fourth section presents an effect of alien culture on local traditions, or cultural diffusion through acculturation. Specific areas of focus include effects of alien cultures on local traditions, and on educational, religious, health, legal, political, and economic institutions. The paper concludes with a section on problems of alien cultures within local traditions, focusing on cultural pollution, confusion, conflict, and dominance. (Contains 12 references.) (SD)