The first level of culture beneath the surface (in our iceberg metaphor) is intermediate level culture, and includes symbols, meanings, and norms. Symbols are things that stand for other things. They can be words, gestures, signs, artifacts, or other nonverbal behaviors that carry cultural significance. Language is a system of symbols. Expressions such as, "Where there's a will there's a way." (U.S. expression) and "The raised nail gets hammered down." (Japanese expression) reveal something about the values of those cultures. Meanings attached to certain symbols, such as the national flag or certain nonverbal symbols, are defined by, and agreed to by members of the culture using them. Certain symbols may also have different meanings to different people. The U.S. flag might be a symbol for liberty and freedom or for oppression and injustice, depending on whom you ask. Norms are the agreed upon expectations for appropriate behavior in a particular situation. Examples of norms are handshakes and culturally appropriate "getting acquainted" scripts. To understand the culture, we must understand and master its norms. Further, domestic culture beneath the performance of norms may lead us to understand the logic and the culture that frames and lays the foundation for such behaviors.
The second level of culture beneath the surface of the iceberg is deep level culture, or traditions, values, and beliefs. Traditions can include myths, legends, ceremonies, and rituals such as celebrations of Thanksgiving. These traditions are passed from one generation to the next, and are reinforced in group solidarity, communal memory, cultural stability, and continuity. Traditions can include culturally shared celebrations of birth, courtship, marriage, and seasonal change. They also include traditions in times of sickness, mourning, and funeral rituals. Values are a set of priorities that determine "good" versus "bad" behavior, "desirable" and "undesirable" practices, and "fair" versus "unfair" actions. Underlying cultural values often motivate our behaviors, and help us find ways to satisfy biological needs, social coordination needs, and survival and welfare needs of the group. Some research has identified 10 value clusters that serve as motivations for individuals' behavior. These are self-direction, stimulation and hedonism; security, tradition, and conformity; power and benevolence; achievement; and universalism. Beliefs that are culturally shared are fundamental assumptions of worldviews that people hold dearly and do not question. They can include questions such as the origins of humankind, concepts of time, space, and reality, supernatural existence, and the meaning of life, death, and afterlife. Religious foundations often serve as the basis for such beliefs.
The deepest level beneath the surface of the iceberg refers to universal human needs. These are actually deeper than cultural teachings, and are common to individuals across the board, independent of culture. These can include the need for security, inclusion, love or affection, respect, control, and the creating of meaning.