Cultural Iceberg Theory by Edward T. Hall

Key Concepts:

• Visible Aspects of Culture (Above the Surface):

  • Language
  • Food
  • Greetings
  • Music
  • Dress
  • Rituals
  • Other explicit manifestations
  • Easily seen, tasted, or heard

• Invisible Aspects of Culture (Below the Surface):

  • Worldview
  • Religion
  • Spiritual Beliefs
  • Concepts of Time
  • Concepts of Justice
  • Decision-Making Models
  • Respect for Authority
  • Other implicit manifestations
  • Not immediately visible

Important Details:

• The majority of culture lies beneath the surface.
• These hidden aspects are crucial as they influence behavior, values, feelings, and thoughts.
• Immersion in a cultural environment helps reveal these hidden aspects.