I have really enjoyed learning about the invisible parts of culture, too. For example, Brazilians prize hospitality. They welcome people and do their best to make them feel at home. Brazilians also value taking time for other people. Even if someone is late for a meeting, they will stop to talk to you and ask how you are doing. In the United States, we are careful to be on time for meetings. This shows our respect for the people we are meeting. But here in Brazil, even when you are late, you should stop and greet people that you know to show you care for them. Both cultures believe that you should respect and value others, but they show their respect in different ways.
Now you can see why we talked about icebergs and culture in English class last night. It is important to think about the visible and invisible things that make you who you are. It is important to know what beliefs and practices make up your community. And when you have the chance, learn a different community too. It might change you forever!
