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Proxemics: Understanding Space in Communication

Proxemics is the study of how humans use and perceive personal space in different cultural contexts. Edward T. Hall identified four zones of spatial distance in interactions: intimate zone (0-18 inches), personal zone (1.5-4 feet), social zone (4-12 feet), and public zone (12-30 feet). Each zone has different expectations for verbal and nonverbal communication styles based on the closeness of interaction. Researchers also distinguish between fixed spaces defined by permanent structures and semi-fixed spaces with flexible features that allow different types of communication.

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66 views8 pages

Proxemics: Understanding Space in Communication

Proxemics is the study of how humans use and perceive personal space in different cultural contexts. Edward T. Hall identified four zones of spatial distance in interactions: intimate zone (0-18 inches), personal zone (1.5-4 feet), social zone (4-12 feet), and public zone (12-30 feet). Each zone has different expectations for verbal and nonverbal communication styles based on the closeness of interaction. Researchers also distinguish between fixed spaces defined by permanent structures and semi-fixed spaces with flexible features that allow different types of communication.

Uploaded by

jasjeet16839023
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Proxemics:

The Space Language

The Cross-cultural study of


humankind’s perception and the use
of space
Proxemics
• Extremely important for Non-Verbal
Communication
Spatial Dimensions

• Edward T. Hall has specified Zones for Spatial


Dimensions:
– Intimate Zone
– Personal Zone
– Social Zone
– Public Zone
Intimate Zone

• Physical touch to 18 inches.


• Includes family members, closest friends
and special people.
• Communication is more of non-verbal.
• Verbal is in the form of whispers,
monotones or at a low pitch.
Personal Zone

• 18 inches- 4 feet.
• Includes close friends, colleagues, associates and
visitors.
• Normal conversation, mostly personal or casual.
• Permits unprogrammed talk or discussion.
• However, certain important decisions are also
taken.
Social Zone

• 4 feet – 12 feet.
• Formal conversation and official relationships.
• Reason and prior planning is required.
• Paramount importance is given to this zone in
Business.
Public Zone
• 12 feet-30 feet.
• Extremely formal conversation.
• Attachment of the previous zones is
substituted by detachment of perception,
objectivity of approach and formality of
communication .
• Voice is raised so as to be heard.
Kinds of Spaces
• Researchers have observed two kinds of spaces:
– Fixed Space
• Considers permanent features like walls, room sizes etc.
– Semi-fixed Space
• Considers physical features that are changed or likely to
be rearranged.
• This flexibility permits a variety of spaces that can be used
to conduct different types of communication activities.

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