Communication Between Cultures

appointment, or remains silent after you reveal some personal information. In each of

these instances you would find yourself reading meaning into your communication

partner’s use of (1)space and distance, (2)time, and (3)silence.

Space and Distance

The variation in distance between you and other people is as much a part of the com-

munication experience as the words being exchanged. The study of this message sys-

tem is calledproxemics. Hall defines proxemics as“the interrelated observations and

theories of man’s use of space as a specialized elaboration of culture.”^124 While

Hall’s definition was advanced over forty years ago, it remains the anchor for most

discussions of space and distance in a cultural context. Expanding on Hall’s analysis,

today proxemics is concerned with such things as (1)personal space, (2)seating, and

(3)furniture arrangement.

Personal Space

Personal space is often thought of as a kind of“bubble”that encircles each individual.

This“bubble”increases and decreases depending on the person’s reaction to the set-

ting and the person“invading”his or her space. Employing the example of the“bub-

ble,”Hall and Hall discuss the significance of personal space to communication:

Each person has around him an invisible bubble of space which expands and contracts

depending on his relationship to those around him, his emotional state, his cultural back-

ground, and the activity he is performing. Few people are allowed to penetrate this bit of

mobile territory, and then only for short periods of time.^125

As indicated, your personal space is that area you occupy and call your own. As

the owner of this area, you usually decide who may enter and who may not. When

your space is invaded, you react in a variety of ways. You may retreat, stand your

ground, or sometimes react violently. Use of personal space is learned on both the

conscious and unconscious levels. Personal space used in the United States is divided

into four categories.

1.Intimate distance (actual contact to 18 inches) is normally reserved for very per-

sonal relationships. You can reach out and touch the person at this distance.

Because of the closeness of the participants, voices are usually at the level of a

whisper.

2.In personal distance (18 inches to 4 feet) there is little chance of physical contact,

and you can speak in a normal voice. This is distance reserved for family and close

friends.

3.Social distance (4 to 12 feet) is the distance at which most members of the domi-

nant U.S. culture conduct business and take part in social gatherings.

4.Public distance is usually used in public presentations and can vary from relatively

close to very far.^126

As with most forms of communication, space is associated with cultural values.

A good example of the link between the use of space and culture can be seen in the

values of individualism and collectivism. Cultures that stress individualism and

Space and Distance 323

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