Activity 1: Exploring your cultural iceberg
Cultural background is one of the most significant influences that shapes your identity. Your culture consists of your customs, beliefs, values and behaviour.
An interesting way of looking at culture is to compare it to an iceberg. In icebergs, only the tip is visible above the waterline and the majority of the iceberg remains hidden under the water. Similarly, only some aspects of your culture can be seen by strangers, with the majority remaining hidden or internal. Visible culture consists of your behaviour, customs, appearance, and dress. Your deep, less changeable culture includes your values, attitudes, beliefs and perceptions.
Complete the following questionnaire, which will help you to identify some aspects of your cultural identity. Select the answer from each list that best represents your cultural characteristics.