Proxemics

The study of spatial

communication/Physical space
in interpersonal relations

PROXEMICS

Closeness - Proxemics
Edward T. Hall, the cultural anthropologist coined the
term in 1963 in The Hidden Dimension
Study of how we use space and distance. Proxemics can
be defined as "the interrelated observations and theories
of mans use of space as a specialized elaboration of
culture.
Includes seating arrangements, queuing and territoriality,
use of objects as markers to indicate ownership of space
Body spacing and posture, are unintentional reactions to
sensory fluctuations or shifts, such as subtle changes in
the sound and pitch of a person's voice.
Social distance between people is reliably correlated with
physical distance, as are intimate and personal distance,
according to the four delineations.

Proxemics-Space Language
Intimate-Physical contact/touch to 1.5 feet, with our
family members, closest friends and selected people.
situations: Giving comfort or aid, whispering,
conversing, kissing. We are easily stimulated in this
distance, but often easily uncomfortable. Who do we
let in it?
Personal-18 inches to 4 feet, normal conversations with
close friends, colleagues, associates and visitors. Were
mostly in this distance. If you decrease to intimate in
this distance people feel uncomfortable, but if you
increase your distance people feel rejected.
Social-4 to 12 feet. Used mostly for formal purposes,
Discussing impersonal or business matters
Public-12 feet to as far as we can see and hear. Mostly
with strangers we do not want to interact with

Space (Proxemics)
People in the U.S. tend to need
more space than do persons of other
cultures. U.S. persons back away
when people stand too close.
Standing too close is interpreted as
being pushy or overbearing;
standing too close may also be
interpreted as unwelcome sexual
advances.

U.S. people need more space than do

Greeks, Latin Americans, or Arabs.
The Japanese stand even farther away than do
U.S. persons.

PROXEMICS
In addition to physical distance, the level of intimacy
between conversants can be determined by "socio-petal
socio-fugal axis", or the "angle formed by the axis of the
conversants shoulders".

Conclusions
Based on the four types of distances and their
examples, what can you conclude about the

correlation between the distance people

have with you and what that might
mean?
The closer the more they like you; the farther
away the less personal.

PROXEMICS
Distance
Between Faces

Tone of Voice

Type of Message

very close (36")

close (8-12")

soft whisper

Top Secret or
Sensual
Very confidential

Audible whisper

neutral (20Soft voice, Low

36")
volume
neutral (4.5-5') Full Voice
across the
room (8-20')

Loud Voice

Personal Subject
matter
Non personal
information
Talking to a
group stretching
the limit

Proxemics: