Hall's iceberg model

Hall's iceberg model illustrates that only a small part of a culture—like the tip of an iceberg—is visible, including language, dress, and customs. Most of the culture, such as beliefs, values, thought patterns, and assumptions, lies beneath the surface. These hidden elements influence visible behaviors but are often unconscious. Understanding a culture fully requires exploring both what is apparent and what remains beneath the surface, much like observing an iceberg, where most of its mass is hidden underwater. This model emphasizes the importance of recognizing underlying cultural perceptions to foster better communication and cross-cultural understanding.