The Cultural Iceberg

Summary

This script uses the iceberg metaphor to explore the visible and hidden aspects of culture. It highlights observable elements like language, art, and customs, contrasting them with deeper, less tangible elements such as beliefs, values, and emotions. The importance of delving beneath the surface for a true understanding of a culture is emphasized, along with the influence of external factors like geography and technology on cultural development.

Takeaways

• 🧊 The Iceberg Metaphor: Cultures, like icebergs, have a visible portion and a much larger, hidden part that is not easily observed.
• 🌐 Surface Observations: Easily noticeable cultural aspects include language, art, traditions, religion, food, dress, institutions, and manners.
• 🗣️ Language as a Link: Language serves as a fundamental part of culture, connecting the observable and unobservable elements.
• 💭 Unseen Beliefs: Beneath the surface, cultures are shaped by beliefs, ideals, norms, roles, and concepts that are not immediately apparent.
• 🌟 American Dream Example: The American Dream illustrates the ideals of a culture, reflecting values like hard work and social responsibility.
• 👥 Social Norms: Norms are the expected behaviors that societies deem as normal, influencing how individuals act within a culture.
• 🎭 Role Diversity: Individuals take on various roles throughout their lives, influenced by factors such as gender, ethnicity, and economic status.
• 💡 Conceptual Understanding: Cultures encompass a wide range of concepts, from the importance of family to abstract ideas about innovation and time.
• 📚 Myths and Meta Truths: Myths in culture are more than just stories; they convey deeper, meta truths that are vital to cultural identity.
• 🎨 Art and Emotions: Since language cannot fully express deep cultural emotions and feelings, art serves as a medium to explore and understand these aspects.
• 🏆 Core Values: Cultures are defined by their core values, which are the feelings attached to the most important aspects of life, such as friendship and honesty.
• 🤔 Assumptions and Attitudes: Assumptions are made daily and shape attitudes, which can significantly impact how individuals react to situations.
• 🍽️ Tastes and Preferences: Tastes in culture refer to the likes and dislikes of individuals, which can vary widely across different aspects of life.
• 🌍 External Influences: Cultures are influenced by external factors such as climate, geography, demographics, communication, economics, and technological innovation.

Q & A

What is the primary analogy used in the script to describe culture?

The primary analogy used in the script to describe culture is an iceberg, emphasizing that most of a culture's significant aspects are hidden beneath the surface, much like the majority of an iceberg is underwater.

How much of the iceberg (culture) can be observed directly?

Only about 10 to 15 percent of the iceberg (culture) can be observed directly, with the majority remaining unseen but known to exist.

What are the aspects of culture that can be easily observed and experienced?

The easily observable and experienced aspects of culture include language, art forms such as music, dance, cinema, painting, sculpture, theater, and architecture, traditions, customs, rituals, religions, food, and people's attire.

What is the role of language in the iceberg analogy of culture?

Language is a fundamental part of culture and serves as the link between the visible and the hidden parts of the iceberg. It is observable and audible, and it is also the medium through which deeper cultural aspects are expressed and understood.

What are the five examples given to represent the deeper, hidden aspects of culture?

The five examples given to represent the deeper, hidden aspects of culture are beliefs, ideals, norms, roles, and concepts.

How are beliefs different from the religion mentioned in the script?

Beliefs refer to the fundamental belief systems of a culture that influence views on education, science, history, politics, and other institutions, whereas religion is an institution that can be experienced and observed above the surface of the iceberg.

What does the script suggest as an example of a cultural ideal?

The script suggests the American Dream as an example of a cultural ideal, which is a compelling idea about working hard, taking social responsibility to achieve financial, political, and social freedom for the individual and the family.

What are norms in the context of culture as described in the script?

Norms in the context of culture are the behaviors and actions considered by the society as normal and not unusual, shaping the expected conduct of individuals within the culture.

What roles do individuals take on in society according to the script?

Individuals take on many different roles in society, such as being a son, husband, father, or grandfather, and these roles are part of their identity and are influenced by factors like gender, ethnicity, economic status, job or career, and personality.

What are myths in the context of culture, and how do they differ from the common modern understanding of the term?

In the context of culture, myths are very old stories that may not be physically true but contain a meta truth, which is vital to reality on a level beyond descriptive factual language. This differs from the common modern understanding of myths as stories that are probably not true.

How does the script describe the relationship between the visible and hidden parts of the cultural iceberg?

The script describes the relationship between the visible and hidden parts of the cultural iceberg as interconnected, with the visible parts being behaviors and practices, and the hidden parts being thoughts and feelings that are more difficult to identify and understand.

What external factors influence culture according to the script?

External factors that influence culture according to the script include climate, geography, demographics, communication, economics, and the rate of technological advances.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Surface Culture: Observable Aspects

This paragraph delves into the concept of culture as an iceberg, where the visible portion represents the easily observable aspects of culture. It discusses how visitors to a new country notice differences in language, art, music, dance, food, and social behaviors. These elements are the surface-level expressions of a culture that can be experienced through the senses. The paragraph also touches on the role of traditions, customs, rituals, and religion in maintaining a culture, as well as the importance of institutions, laws, and practices. It emphasizes the need to explore beneath the surface for a deeper understanding of a culture's core values, beliefs, and emotions.

05:01

🔍 Deep Dive into Culture's Underlying Elements

The second paragraph explores the less visible but fundamental elements of culture that lie beneath the surface, analogous to the submerged part of an iceberg. It describes the abstract concepts that shape a culture's identity, such as beliefs, ideals, norms, roles, and concepts. The paragraph explains how these elements influence a society's values, desires, assumptions, and attitudes. It also discusses the role of myths in conveying deeper truths about a culture and how language serves as a bridge between the observable and the abstract. The summary highlights the importance of understanding these underlying elements to gain a comprehensive insight into a culture.

10:01

🌏 External Influences and Cultural Adaptation

The final paragraph examines the external factors that influence a culture, despite being beyond its direct control. It discusses the impact of climate, geography, demographics, and economics on cultural development. The paragraph also addresses the rapid pace of technological innovation and its potential effects on culture, raising questions about how cultures will adapt to such changes. The summary emphasizes the importance of recognizing these external influences and their role in shaping a culture's evolution, as well as the need for cultures to navigate the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements.

Keywords

💡Culture

Culture refers to the collective customs, beliefs, arts, and social institutions of a group of people, which are passed down from generation to generation. In the video, culture is likened to an iceberg, with the visible part representing observable behaviors and practices, while the submerged part symbolizes the deeper, less tangible aspects of thought and feeling.

💡Iceberg Metaphor

The iceberg metaphor is used to illustrate the concept that most of a culture's significant elements are not immediately visible, much like the majority of an iceberg is underwater. The video script uses this metaphor to emphasize the depth and complexity of cultural understanding that goes beyond surface-level observations.

💡Language

Language is the primary means of communication within a culture and is a key aspect that can be observed and experienced. The script mentions language as an example of a cultural element that is part of the 'above the surface' portion of the iceberg, which includes the audible and visible aspects of culture.

💡Arts

Arts encompass various forms of creative expression, including music, dance, cinema, painting, sculpture, and architecture. The script identifies arts as part of the visible culture that contributes to the maintenance of cultural identity and traditions.

💡Traditions

Traditions are customary beliefs, practices, and rituals that are passed down through generations. The video script describes traditions as a component of culture that is easily observable and plays a role in maintaining the continuity of a culture.

💡Religion

Religion is a set of beliefs and practices often shared among a group of people and associated with particular cultures. In the script, religion is mentioned as an institution that can be experienced above the surface of the cultural iceberg, closely linked to traditions and customs.

💡Food

Food is central to a region's identity and is a significant part of cultural expression. The script uses food as an example of a cultural element that can provide insight into a society's way of life, including what people eat, how they eat, and with whom they share meals.

💡Institutions

Institutions refer to the established organizations and systems within a culture, including its laws and practices. The script mentions institutions as part of the visible culture, which tourists can observe and interact with during their visits.

💡Manus

Manus, in the context of the video, refers to the manners and etiquette of a culture, indicating how people show politeness and respect. The script places Manus as part of the observable aspects of culture, which tourists can witness during their interactions.

💡Beliefs

Beliefs are the fundamental convictions and assumptions that shape a culture's view of the world. The script distinguishes beliefs from religion, emphasizing that belief systems underpin a culture's approach to various aspects of life, including education, science, history, and politics.

💡Ideals

Ideals are the widely accepted notions of what is best for individuals and society. The script provides the American Dream as an example of an ideal, illustrating the concept of striving for financial, political, and social freedom through hard work and social responsibility.

💡Norms

Norms are the behaviors and actions considered normal by a society. The script describes norms as part of the submerged part of the cultural iceberg, indicating that they are the unwritten rules that guide everyday behavior and are deeply rooted in cultural conservatism.

💡Roles

Roles are the various social parts that individuals play throughout their lives, such as being a son, husband, or father. The script explains that roles are influenced by factors like gender, ethnicity, economic status, and personality, and they contribute to an individual's identity.

💡Concepts

Concepts are the ideas and general ways in which people think about various aspects of life. The script lists concepts such as the importance of family, friendship, individuality, privacy, and happiness, which are part of the deeper, less visible layers of culture.

💡Myths

Myths are ancient stories that may not be factually true but contain a deeper, metaphorical truth. The script explains that myths provide a link to the deeper levels of culture, offering insights into abstract concepts that are difficult to express through language alone.

💡Values

Values are the feelings and judgments people have towards the most important aspects of life. The script discusses values in relation to culture, indicating that they include evaluations of qualities like honesty, courage, and integrity, and are central to understanding a culture's priorities.

💡Desires

Desires refer to the things that people want or wish for, which can range from material wealth to abstract concepts like safety and power. The script uses desires to illustrate the deeper motivations and aspirations that are part of a culture's submerged layers.

💡Assumptions

Assumptions are the things people take for granted or expect to be true without question. The script explains that assumptions are made every day and that how individuals react when these assumptions are challenged can be very telling about a culture.

💡Attitudes

Attitudes are the ways in which people think and feel about something, which can be positive or negative. The script discusses attitudes in the context of how they are influenced by emotions and can affect an individual's interactions within a culture.

💡Tastes

Tastes refer to the preferences and inclinations of individuals, which can vary widely. The script mentions tastes in the broader sense, indicating that they can apply to various aspects of life, including food, fashion, music, and even interpersonal relationships.

💡Climate and Geography

Climate and geography are external factors that influence a culture, shaping its development and way of life. The script uses the comparison between a cold mountainous village and a tropical coastal city to illustrate the impact of these factors on cultural differences.

💡Demographics

Demographics pertain to the statistical data relating to a population, including size, gender distribution, age composition, and location. The script mentions demographics as an external factor that can affect a culture, especially in the context of global communication and information flow.

💡Economics

Economics refers to the study of how societies allocate scarce resources and the impact of this allocation on their cultures. The script suggests that richer, more powerful cultures often exert influence over others, using the export of American culture as an example.

💡Innovation

Innovation is the process of creating new ideas, methods, or products. The script discusses the rapid pace of human innovation and its exponential growth, questioning how cultures will adapt to the swift changes brought about by technological advances.

Highlights

Cultures share an important quality likened to an iceberg, with most of their characteristics hidden beneath the surface.

The visible part of culture includes language, art, traditions, religion, food, dress, institutions, and manners.

Language serves as a fundamental link between the observable and the hidden aspects of culture.

Beliefs, ideals, norms, roles, and concepts are part of the deeper, less visible layers of culture.

Belief systems are foundational to a culture's views on education, science, history, politics, and other institutions.

Ideals represent a culture's collective understanding of what is best for individuals and society, exemplified by the American Dream.

Norms define the behaviors and actions considered normal within a society.

Roles individuals take on, such as son, husband, or father, contribute to their identity within a culture.

Concepts encompass a culture's ideas and general ways of thinking about various aspects of life.

Myths are old stories containing meta truths vital to a culture's reality, beyond factual language.

The deepest levels of culture involve emotions and feelings, which are explored through the arts.

Core values of a culture reflect the importance placed on aspects of humanity, such as friendship and honesty.

Desires go beyond material wealth to include safety, power, and social connections.

Assumptions are made constantly, shaping reactions when they are not met.

Attitudes, influenced by emotions, can be positive or negative and affect social interactions.

Tastes, extending beyond food, represent the preferences people have in various aspects of life.

External influences such as climate, geography, demographics, communication, economics, and technology shape cultures.

Technological advances are expected to continue at a rapid pace, impacting how cultures adapt and evolve.

The iceberg metaphor effectively captures the hidden depths of culture, emphasizing the difficulty in observing and understanding its deeper aspects.

Transcripts

[Music]

when we compare culture to an iceberg

who can begin to understand a very

important quality that all cultures have

in common the most significant feature

of an iceberg

is that most of it is under the water

and you can only see about ten to

fifteen percent above the surface from

above the rest of it is a bit of a

mystery we know it's there we just can't

observe it easily when we look at a

culture we find the exact same

characteristic when you visit another

country for the first time you will

notice lots of small differences in how

people dress the food they eat the music

they listen to and generally how they

behave and how they do things these are

the aspects of a culture that we can

observe and experience

easily using our five main physical

senses let's look at some examples of

the types of things we find above the

surface first of all there will be the

language you might not understand it but

you can hear it and see it so it is

obviously there next come all the

different forms of art including music

dance cinema painting sculpture theater

and architecture cultures are maintained

through their traditions customs and

rituals

closely linked to these are the

different religions which are associated

with particular cultures food is more

often than not central to our region's

identity and what people eat and how

they eat it and who they eat it with can

give us an insight into their ways of

life how people from other places

dressed differently is also very

noticeable at first although maybe less

now than in previous eras above the

surface we can also see a cultures

institutions which include its

organizations and societies and its laws

and practices lastly on this iceberg we

can see Manus which basically refers to

the ways in which people can be polite

and show respect to the people around us

tourists on their holidays interact with

foreign cultures at this level which is

perfectly fine but for a deeper

understanding of a culture then we must

take the plunge and find out what's

going on down below language is a

fundamental part of culture and in this

situation is the link between above and

below the surface as we begin to descend

we find the things that people think

about and can probably describe or

explain using the words of their

language we have five examples on our

iceberg which are beliefs ideals norms

roles and concepts when we talk about

beliefs we aren't just talking about

religion religion is the institution

that we can experience above the surface

the belief systems of a culture are

fundamental to how it views such things

as education science history politics

and all its other institutions in

general

a coach's ideals are they generally

agreed upon understanding of what is

best for the individual and for the

society as a whole

a good example of this is the American

Dream which is a somewhat vague yet very

compelling idea about working hard and

taking social responsibility in order to

achieve financial political and social

freedom for the individual and the

family

the norms of a culture are basically the

behaviors and actions of people which

are considered by the society as normal

and not unusual human beings are

naturally conservative in many ways and

throughout our history anything unusual

or out of the ordinary have likely to

mean danger

everybody within their lifetime will

take on many different roles for example

every man will play the role of a son

many will go on to become husbands

fathers and then grandfather's society

offers countless roles that individuals

work towards and take on as part of

their identity our gender ethnicity

economic status job or career and

personality determine which kinds of

roles we will take on

the concepts of culture are its ideas

and general ways in which people think

about things it is an endless list but

includes concepts about the importance

of family what it means to be a good

friend the importance of individuality

and privacy and how to be happy

along with more abstract ideas about

innovation time and life itself

lastly we come to myths in many context

these days the word myth has come to

mean stories that are probably not true

but real myths are much much more than

this a myth is a very old story that

wealth may not be 100% physically true

contains a meta truth this is a truth

that is vital to our reality but on a

level beyond descriptive factual

language myths provide us with a link to

the deepest depths of the iceberg

because down here language is not

capable of completely describing the

abstract nature of what we find at the

deepest levels of the cultural iceberg

are the emotions and feelings that

people generally have because of the

limitations of language here cultures

must rely on the Arts

to give us insights and clues to help us

understand what is going on and to help

us explore the meaning of such things as

values desires assumptions tastes and

attitudes

let's begin with the core values of the

culture by values we mean the feelings

people have towards the most important

aspects of humanity so how valuable is

friendship is it worth more than family

or loyalty to your employer is success

and wealth more important than

generosity the values of a culture

include evaluations of honesty courage

integrity humility and many other

qualities

what do people want at a superficial

level we would all probably want to win

the lottery

so does this mean all we desire is money

of course not we desire the things that

money can bring such as safety power

convenience and let's be honest

the hot sexy girl or guy of our dreams

but there are also the things that money

can't always help us with like

friendship respect health and peace of

mind

most intercultural and communication

courses warned us that we shouldn't

assume anything but in reality this is

impossible

we all make countless assumptions every

minute of every day we assume the light

will come on when we flick the switch

that the bus will come not too late that

a good performance will be rewarded or

that our kindness will be returned maybe

it is how we react to situations when

our assumptions are not met that is

really important here

our attitude toward something is how we

have decided to think and feel about it

it can be positive or negative and

influenced by our emotions having a bad

attitude having an attitude out of step

with other people within the culture can

make life very uncomfortable for the

individual concerned and for everyone

else that comes into contact with them

the word taste is mostly associated with

food but in the broader sense it simply

means the things that people like and

dislike so people can have different

tastes in almost everything including

stories fashion music movies and even

other people

finally there are the things that

influence the culture from the outside

these are the things over which the

culture has no control to appreciate how

much climate and geography influence a

culture just imagine a cold mountainous

village somewhere in the middle of a

vast continent then compare it to a

coastal city in the tropics and think

about the differences in the challenges

their populations face every day

demographics is concerned with the

details of a population including how

many people there are the percentages of

each gender the amount of people in each

age group and the location of each of

these right now in the early part of the

21st century the world has never seen

such powerful mediums of communication

undoubtedly there is fierce competition

to control the flow of information which

in turn has a huge impact on the

direction and development of our

cultures certainly in the modern world

and perhaps throughout history most

cultures have had little control over

the economics that affect them it is

fair to say that richer more powerful

cultures have always exerted influence

over the others whether by accident or

design the export of American culture

over the last 100 years or so is a good

example since the very first human

beings began using stone tools the rate

of human innovation has gathered pace

exponentially it is reasonable to

suppose that the dizzying rate of

technological advances so far this

century will continue to develop ever

more quickly into the future so it is

also reasonable to wonder how human

cultures will cope with such rapid

changes

to summarize an iceberg makes for a very

useful metaphor because of its hidden

depths in relation to culture the top of

the iceberg that we can observe easily

is all about the things people do their

behaviors and their practices but we

find that most of a culture is below the

surface and that these are the things

that we can't observe so clearly these

are the parts of a culture that come

from people's thoughts and feelings and

are therefore much more difficult to

identify and understand

[Music]

[Music]