Cultural iceberg

CULTURALICEBERG

One of the most well-known metaphors for culture, allowing one to question its visible and invisible manifestations, by Edward T. Hall (1976).

Surface culture

Only about 10% of the iceberg is visible at any given time and a large part of it is hidden beneath the surface

Deep culture

Culture has components that are external facing or above the surface and visible, and the majority of culture, about 90%, is hidden below the surface

Focus

Useful tool for a better understanding,embrace both the seen and unseen

Compass for understanding diversity

In and out of cultural context

Useful tool to help understand the complexity of culture

It focuses on facilitating a better understanding of how implicit cultural codes (such as values, norms, and myths) are present in intercultural interactions. We filter information through our own cultural filters. Icebergs can come in all shapes and sizes.

Cultural proficiency necessitates exploring and appreciating all dimensions

The theory points out how difficult it is at times to understand people with different cultural backgrounds.We may spot the visible parts of “their iceberg”, but we cannot immediately see what are the foundations that these parts rest upon.Acknowledging and understanding also the invisible elements is crucial for effective intercultural communication, as they significantly impact the interpretation and meaning of observable behaviours.

Universal theory

Further reading

• Attitudes towards
• Age
• Rules
• Work
• Marriage
• Animals
• Concepts of
• Fairness
• Justice
• Time
• Past/future
• Self
• Roles (age, sex, class, ...)

HARD TO SEE, BUT EASY TO CRASH INTO

• Values & ethics
• Traditions & beliefs
• Communication styles & rules
• Gestures & body language
• Approaches to
• Religion
• Decision-making
• Problem solving
• Notions of
• Leadership
• Friendship
• Beauty

Implicit

Below the surface

Explicit

Tip of the iceberg

THINGS THAT ARE EASY TO SEE

• Art & literature
• Music
• Food
• Fashion
• Architecture
• Etiquette
• Holidays & festivals
• Flags
• Language