Edward T. Hall's Cultural Iceberg
In 1976 Edward T. Hall suggested that culture was like an iceberg in that there are two parts to culture - internal and external - and only a small portion of the external culture is above water, is visible in the behaviors of a society. The larger portion, internal culture, is hidden beneath the surface in the beliefs, values, and thought patterns of a society. In other words, the external culture is part of the conscious mind, and internal culture is part of the subconscious mind.
Hall suggests that the only way to learn the internal culture of others is by actively participating in their culture.
When individuals visit a new culture, only the behaviors are apparent at first, but as they spend more time interacting with others in that new culture, that which is hidden beneath the surface begins to present itself.
Hall suggests that the only way to learn the internal culture of others is by actively participating in their culture.
When individuals visit a new culture, only the behaviors are apparent at first, but as they spend more time interacting with others in that new culture, that which is hidden beneath the surface begins to present itself.
Downloads:
Take the Cultural Iceberg Model home with you!
The Constant Foreigner has developed a handout that will help you teach the model and what individuals preparing for a transition can expect based on Hall's work.
PDF | PPT
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