CHAPTER 8NONVERBAL INTERCULTURAL

COMMUNICATION

SPACE

INTRODUCTION

The use of space functions as an important communication system in all cultures.

Important Features

2 important features of the way culture use the space around them are:

- the different needs for personal space

- the messages that are used to indicate territoriality

Cultural Differences in the Use of Personal Space

We are surrounded by a personal space “bubble”

Proxemics (Edward Hall):

- The study of how people differ in their use of personal space, social and public

- Characterised by:

differences in the ways that people relate to one another

the behaviours that typify the communication that will probably occur in them

Zones of Spatial Difference Typical of European Americans

Spatial Distance Zone

Spatial Distance (in feet)

Usage Other Characteristics

Intimate 0- 1 ½ Loving; comforting; protecting; fighting

Minimal conversations; smell & feel of other; eye contact unlikely

Personal 1 ½- 4 Conversations with intimates, friends and acquaintances

Touch possible; much visual detail

Social 4-12 Impersonal and social gatherings

More formal tone; some visual detail lost; eye contact likely

Public 12-up Lectures; concert; plays; speeches; ceremonies; protection

Subtle details lost; only obvious attributes noticed

INTIMATE

PERSONAL

PUBLIC

Personal Space

o Culture specific

- Colder climates: large physical distances

northern European

- Warm weather climates: close distances

Mediterranean

o Germany, Scandinavia, England vs. France, Mediterranean countries (Italy, Greece, Spain)

Italian vs. Norwegian

Move closer (comfort zone for conversation) vs. move backward (maintain the “correct” conversational distance)

Habitual

The habitual use of the culturally proper spacing distance is accompanied by a predictable level and kind of sensory information

- Personal conversation with acquaintance

3 ft.

Accustomed to: sights, sounds, smells

Accustomed > 3ft.

Too close, out of normal focal range, sound too loud, smell the breath

Cultural Differences in Territoriality

Territoriality:

- the need to protect and defend a particular spatial area

- a set of behaviours that people display to show that they “own” or have the right to control the use of a particular geographic area

Marking

Formally:

- Actual barriers

Fences

Signs : No Trespassing, Keep Off the Grass

Informally:

- Nonverbal markers

Clothing

Books

Cultures can differ in the …

General degree of territoriality that its members tend to exhibit

- Some cultures > territorial than others

Range of possible places or spaces about which they are territorial

- European Americans & German: highly territorial

- Strong tendency to establish areas considered as theirs

Typical reactions exhibited in response to invasions or contaminations of their territory

- Withdrawing / avoiding

- Insulating – territorial invasion

- Forcefully / vigorously

References

Google Image

Koester, J. & Lustig M.W. (2010). Boston: Pearson