Diving Below the Cultural Iceberg

Are you familiar with the Cultural Iceberg? 

As many of you probably know, the concept of the cultural iceberg  was introduced by Edward T. Hall in 1976. It is interesting that only 10% of the iceberg is visible and a large part of it is below the surface. What we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel when we meet people from linguistic and cultural backgrounds is the tip of the  iceberg. For instance, food, clothing, music, art, language, dance, and more.

Values, beliefs, different roles, traditions that impact behavior and actions lie beneath the surface. 

It is rightly said that we cannot judge a book by its cover. A reader learns best when he or she reads the book. Once the teachers learn about the family situations, beliefs, and traditions, they can gain insight into their students’ behavior in the classroom. Positive relationships will occur and learning will take place in a culturally responsive environment.