WHAT IS PROXEMIC LANGUAGE? MAIN FEATURES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The proxemic language refers to non - verbal forms of communication related to the distance and location of persons within a specific space.

This concept was coined by Edward Hall. This anthropologist was interested in identifying the way in which human beings use space as a form of non-verbal communication.

Proxemic language can be identified in everyday situations of a very different nature. Furthermore, it is often fundamental in human relationships despite its silent and implicit nature.

Personal space

Personal space refers to the distance that people establish in their daily relationships.

It is considered that there are four ranges of interpersonal distances, but these can vary according to different cultures and their socialization standards. The main characteristics of each range will be detailed below:

1- Public space

It refers to the distance that one maintains in front of a public figure or a speaker in a mass event.

In these cases, a distance of 4 meters or more is preserved, and this space makes it possible for the speaker to communicate simultaneously with all the people who occupy the room, but not personally.

2- Social space

It refers to the distances that are conserved within contexts of formal or professional socialization. This is the case of work or commercial conversations, contexts in which there is no closeness or intimacy between the speakers.

In these cases, the separation can be between 1 and 2 meters. In this way, a personal conversation can be held without entering situations of greater trust or intimacy.

3- The personal space

It refers to situations in which there is even greater closeness and trust between the speakers.

This space is linked to personal and family relationships, and the distance can range from 0.5 to 1 meter.

4- The intimate space

This refers to the distance that exists between two people who share intimacy, particularly when it comes to couples or very close friends.

In this case, the distance goes from less than half a meter to directly being in physical contact with the other person.

Variations of proxemic language according to culture

These distance ranges are usually variable depending on the culture. There are societies that are more prone to closeness, as well as others whose social norm is to maintain distances.

In order to understand the forms of proxemic language in different cultures, Edward Hall divided them into two basic categories: contact cultures and non-contact cultures.

However, later other researchers expanded this division to three categories: cold, warm, or non-conflict reactive cultures. The characteristics of each of these three categories will be detailed below:

1- Cold, logical and contactless cultures

These cultures include the United States and the Nordic countries.

They are characterized because the speakers are direct and sometimes impatient. They are also reserved and are more interested in facts than emotions.

2- Multi-active, warm, impulsive and contact cultures

This classification refers to cultures in which speakers express themselves enthusiastically and emotionally.

They prefer personal stories to facts, tend to interrupt during conversation and show their emotions more openly.

This category includes cultures such as Arab, Italian, French, Latin American, and Turkish.

3- Non-conflict and non-contact reactive cultures

These cultures value decorum and diplomacy over facts and emotions.

Its speakers are listening patients who are moderate in their body language and in the expression of their emotions. This set includes cultures such as Japan, Vietnam, China, and other Southeast Asian cultures.

Territoriality

Territoriality refers to the forms that human beings use to delimit spaces that they consider their own.

These landmarks can be made in very different ways, ranging from the subtlety of custom to explicit ways of marking.

For example, in a family it is possible that an armchair is considered to belong to the father simply because he always uses the same one.

It is also possible to observe in a square that a group of young people mark with their initials the floor or the walls of a place, in order to demarcate their territory.

There are basically three types of territory:

1- Main territory

Refers to territories that are explicitly or implicitly recognized as the property of a person. A room, a bed within a room, a car or a specific armchair within the room are an example of this.

For example, if a person comes home from work to find his roommate in his room and sitting on his bed, it will be understood as a violation of space.

2- Secondary territory

The seat that is occupied in the classroom or a table that is chosen in a bar are their own territories during the time in which they are used, but in reality they do not belong to anyone specifically.

For example, if a person has a favorite table in the bar that he usually frequents but finds it occupied when he arrives, he cannot complain about it. However, while occupying it, it is implicitly understood that no one else can occupy that space.

3- Public space

It is the space that belongs to everyone and nobody at the same time. For example, the streets, squares and stations of the Metro. They are spaces through which anyone can move freely, without invading the land of other people.

Arrangement within space

The disposition of people within a given space often says a lot about them and their role within it.

For example, in a classroom, students know that they must stand in the back of the classroom if they do not want to be seen. On the contrary, in case of wanting an active participation, they should be located in the front zone.

Exceptional situations

It is common to observe that people suffer anxiety situations when they face proxemic codes different from those that are assumed.

This can occur when another person gets closer than expected, generating an automatic fight or flight response.

This situation has exceptions in which people consciously give up their personal space in specific cases. An example of this is when they get on a very crowded train or elevator.

According to the investigations, there is still the intention to control the situation; this control is reflected, for example, by avoiding the gaze of those present on the train or in the elevator.

This evasive action allows you to control the feeling of intimacy with the other, despite being in close physical contact.

References

1. Amos, J. (2012). Body Language and Proxemics. Recovered from: bodylanguageexpert.co.uk
2. Changing minds. (SF). Prooxemic Communication. Recovered from: changingminds.org
3. Nonverbal World. (SF). Reading Body Language - Proxemics. Recovered from: nonverbal-world.com
4. Study Body Language. (SF). Proxemics. Recovered from: study-body-language.com
5. Study.com. (SF). Proxemics. Recovered from: communicationstudies.com