Body Language: Defining Proxemics, Four Zones PDF

Body Language Week1.2, Defining Proxemics, Four Zones Prof. Rashmi Gaur Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Roorkee 1  Defining Proxemics Proxemics in body language descri...

Body Language Week1.2, Defining Proxemics, Four Zones Prof. Rashmi Gaur Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Roorkee 1  Defining Proxemics Proxemics in body language describes how we treat our space and other people in terms of proximity – Proximity implies nearness in space, time, or relationship In everyday life, the spatial relationship between ourselves and the other people or objects around us is important for how we engage, interact and communicate with them in dyadic or small group situations People often use changes of spatial relationships – such as interpersonal distance or orientation – as an implicit form of communication: – We may inadvertently keep certain distances to others depending on ease, may orient towards people when addressing, we move closer to objects we are interested in, stand or sit relative to others depending on the task at hand (Marquardt p. 3) 2 https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enIN789IN789&q=proxemics+communication+images&tbm=isch &source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiN65P99r_g https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enIN789IN789&q=proxemics+communication+imag 3 https://https://www.google.com/search?q=proxemics+communicatio n+images&tbm=isch&tbs=rimg:CaAjYye- lWH3IjgRqOXfunf5NNru1cNJOnGnfeEYuLk4hsKlCmPLOCTxmiHKz9OyEf I-UPXdPEwbg8fKrnSWWHvEuioSCRGo5d- 6d_1k0ETU6dmmtN2luKhIJ2u7Vw0k6cacRjqLhyR5zUWQqEgl94Ri4uTi GwhEJO- Q_1Jr4MAioSCaUKY8s4JPGaEWnwg_1SkAWx_1KhIJIcrP07IR8j4Rn2lI_1 WDiXqsqEglQ9d08TBuDxxFTqUtQr9X6ZSoSCcqudJZYe8S6EXfaP7OIsce9 &tbo=u&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj9kvHJ- L_gAhXLX30KHT45BbcQ9C96BAgBEBg&biw=704&bih=590&dpr=1.5#i mgdii=csO7Segs1vf2UM:&imgrc=IcrP07IR8j6vNM: 4  Defining Proxemics Term coined by the cultural anthropologist Edward T. Hall (The Hidden Dimension, 1963) – Latin root prox- (as in proximity) + the suffix- emic (as in systemic, phonemic) A seminal theory about people’s perception of space and use of interpersonal distances to mediate their interactions with other people Indicates programmatic relationship of his research to the principles of linguistic structuralism (Noth p. 411) Identifies the culturally dependent ways in which people use interpersonal distance to comprehend and mediate their interactions with other people 5  Proxemics Edward Hall defines Proxemics as the study of “ways in which man gains knowledge of the content of other men’s minds through judgements of behaviour patterns associated with varying degree of proximity” To him proxemics is “how a man unconsciously structures microspace – the distance between men in conduct of daily transactions, the organizations of space in his houses, buildings, and ultimately the layout of his town” (quoted in Noth p. 411) Organization of space in houses, offices, buildings, city planning and urban renewal; unconscious structuring of micro space Space as a specialized elaboration of culture 6  Defining Proxemics Walking within an invisible bubble – – Crowded places – elevators, trains; Seating arrangement in restaurants and offices; Individual preferences Proxemics occurs by virtue of people’s relative position to each other It delineates the nature, degree, and effect of the spatial separation individuals maintain (as in various social and interpersonal situations) and how this separation or distance relates to contextual, social and cultural factors Proxemics describes characteristic spatial relationships (including territorial phenomena) among persons in various cultures, or within a given culture for different kinds of social occasions 7  Proxemics studies communication of comfort/discomfort – moving closer often signals greater comfort and intimacy, moving farther often signals discomfort and assertion of power – a person might move into someone’s personal space as an assertion of power, but a person could also be very physically distant for the same reason – a person might stand their ground in a situation where another person might normally pull back Four Different Zones of Intimacy Levels -- a classificatory system for instinctive spacing distances Intimate, Personal, Social, and Public Each with close and far phases Cultural and locational aspects 8  Four Zones Intimate Social Personal Public 15-45 cm 46cm-1.2 m 1.2-3.6m over 3.6m 9  Types of Spaces Relevant to Proxemics Intimate– from body contact to 18 inches, a distance for comforting, whispering Personal -- from 18 inches to four feet, a distance that enables personal to casual conversations Image courtesy: amongst friends and family http://introtocommopensource.ridgewater.edu/M oduleIV/ModIVSect2.html Social – from 4 to 12 feet, a distance reserved for formal social/business transactions Public -- from 12 to 25 feet, a suitable distance for public lectures or performances 10  1. Intimate Space/Zone (0 to 18 inches) Bubble, Psychological Ownership Threatened if violated, irrespective of situation/gender/race. May lead to anxiety, anger or lack of comfort Sports (e.g., boxing, wrestling) are an exception Only those who are emotionally close to us are allowed into this space – family, close friends and relatives The presence of others may be overwhelming because of the increased sensory input and involvement with another body Voice and touch have their roles Culture codes Source: https://fmph.uniba.sk/fileadmin/fmfi/microsites/kjpklatikova/anglictina/3_BODY_LANGUAGE-17.pdf 11  Intimate Space/Zone (0 to 18 inches) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OFAm-VHATw 12 2. Personal Space / Zone (18 to 48 inches) Distance at work place, office parties and friendly social gatherings etc. A body buffer zone that people maintain between themselves and others during interaction with acquaintances, wherein people send signals about their relationship or attitude The invisible bubble which refers to personal space can inflate or shrink -- It spans a vast range determined by a number of factors: our personal characteristics, nature of the relationships, social and cultural experience – Close phase -- one can hold another person – Far phase -- extends from a point just outside easy touching distance to a point where two people can touch fingers if they extend arms Subjects of personal/mutual interest and involvement can be discussed at this distance Source: https://fmph.uniba.sk/fileadmin/fmfi/microsites/kjpklatikova/anglictina/3 _BODY_LANGUAGE-17.pdf. 13  Personal Space / Zone (18 to 48 inches) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frQdjs9UaYA 14 3. Social Space/Zone (4-12 feet) We stand at this distance from strangers and people we don’t know very well – or don’t like very much Details of the face are not closely perceived, touch is also not possible – Desks in the offices of important people are large enough to hold visitors at the far phase – Also, billing desks, receptionists’ counter Voice level may be louder during conversations It enables people to continue to work silently in the presence of another person without appearing to be rude Source: https://fmph.uniba.sk/fileadmin/fmfi/microsites /kjpklatikova/anglictina/3_ BODY_LANGUAGE-17.pdf.. https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enIN789IN789&q=social+space%2Bimage&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi CvLXcjcDgAhULeisKHbXQBRIQ7Al6BAgDEA0&biw=703&bih=589#imgdii=bzx46w_cgp2blM:&imgrc=zc6XK-7XHDmpCM: 15  4. Public Space / Zone (Anything over 12 feet) While talking to a large group/ formal presentations At this distance, we tend to adopt a "formal style“ - a careful choice of words and phrasing of sentences Voice, gestures and body stances become exaggeratedly communicative Far phase is the distance that is automatically set around important public figures Source: https://fmph.uniba.sk/fileadmin/fmfi/microsites /kjpklatikova/anglictina/3_BODY_ LANGUAGE-17.pdf. https://www.google.com/search?q=public+space+images%2Bpolitical+rally&tbm=isch&tbs= rimg:CcteQGOmz2aPIjjsjw8_ 16 Connotations Personal space is precious. Unconscious changes in body behavior in crowded places – lifts, train compartments, airplane seating positions, waiting lines at windows etc. – averted eyes, impassive faces, relatively rigid postures, phones or handbills to give an impression of being busy Space Settings – symbolic space divisions in restaurants, office desks with shared spaces etc. Creation of visual boundaries by transparent barriers or even by putting objects close to you. Boundaries may also be marked by space artifacts on desks/walls – Location – if alone, prefer to be seated close to an object/barrier -- table/pillar/wall/window https://www.google.com/search?q=space%2Boffice%2Bdivision%2Bprivacy&rlz=1C1SQJL_enIN789IN 17 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OFAm-VHATw 18  Spacing is sub-consciously controlled in most of our interaction Shy people have bigger distances Not necessarily negative Spacing and distance are also used consciously to establish messages regarding authority and relationships Deliberate encroachment of personal space to indicate authority – law enforcement agencies, intimidation by bullies Sales people maintain distances, but act to keep your fingertips busy 19  References Baldassare, Mark and Susan Feller. "Cultural Variations in Personal Space: Theory, Methods, and Evidence." Ethos,. 3.4 (1975): 481-503. John , Hartey, Martin Montogmery, Ellie Rennie and Marc Brenann. Communication, Cultural and Media Studies: The Key Concepts. Psychology Press,, 2002. Ebook. https://books.google.co.in/books?isbn=0415268885 https://fmph.uniba.sk/fileadmin/fmfi/microsites/kjpklatikova/anglictina/3_BODY_LANGUAGE-17.pdf https://www.google.com/search?q=space%2Boffice%2Bdivision%2Bprivacy&rlz=1C1SQJL_enIN789IN https://www.google.com/search?q=public+space+images%2Bpolitical+rally&tbm=isch&tbs=rimg:CcteQ GOmz2aPIjjsjw8 Kelly, Alex. Social Skills: Developing Effective Interpersonal Communication. Routledge, 2018. Macnevin, Audrey L. “Embodying Sociological Mindfulness Learning about Social Inequality through the Body.” Teaching Sociology, vol. 32, no. 3, 2004, pp. 314–321., doi:10.1177/0092055x0403200306 Marquardt, Nicolai. Proxemic Interactions: From Theory to Practice. Morgan & Claypool Publishers, 2015. Mehrabian, Albert. "The Language of Posture and Position." Nonverbal Communication. Transaction Publishers, 1972. 16-30. Print. Nöth, Winfried. Handbook of Semiotics. Indiana University Press, 1995.  Proximity as a Prerequisite of Being Human.” Future Case, 30 June 2012, futurecase.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/proximity-as-a-prerequisite-of-being-human/ Richard , West. Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making Choices in Changing Times. Cengage Learning, 2008. Ebook.. Ting-Toomey, Stella. Communicating Across Cultures, First Edition. Guilford Press, 2012. Zorach, Alex. "What is proxemics? What is its significance in communication?." Quora. Web. https://www.quora.com/What-is-proxemics-What-is-its-significance-in-communication