Topic - 9 - Proxemics

Proxemics

The word proxemics is derived from ‘Proximity’ which means ‘nearness’. Proxemity is the study of how people interact.   The custom and culture of the country also affect the person to make proximity

Definition:

“The study of man’s transaction as he perceives and uses intimate, personal, social and public space in various settings while following out of awareness dictates of cultural paradigms” (Hall, 1947).

·      Variables and Characteristics of Proxemics:

Use of physical space to communicate:

·         Public Space: 5 to 6 feet; brief eye contact

·         Social Space: 1 to 3 feet; no physical contact

·         Personal Space: Less than a foot; handshake

·         Intimate Space: Body contact; hug

(1) Intimate Distance:

This zone extends from zero to eighteen inches from the person. There are two phase – zero to six inches is a close phase and six to eighteen inches is a far phase. An intimate distance include the person’s body, sound, smell and feel of the breath all combine to signal unmistakable involvement with another body. Strangers are not invited into the intimate zone by adult, middle class Americans. 

         

(2) Personal Distance:

            The personal zone extends from one and one half to four feet, with a near phase extending to two and one half feet and feet and a far phase beyond that. Personal space changes depending on culture, upbringing, and relationship to the individual and expectations. We have an invisible boundary that allows us to be comfortable because intruders may not enter. The personal zone allows a variety of both formal and non-formal contact between people. “It is a zone that people use in public, and it seems to be a ‘normal’ contact distance that enables people to remain in reasonable proximity or to move toward more or less personal communication. Perfumes,  colognes or deodorants may be detectable, if used, and fine details of the face and clothing can be detected visually with little perceived distortion.

(3) Social Distance:

            This zone spans from four to twelve feet, the close phase extending from four to seven feet and the far phase from seven to twelve feet. The boundary line is between the far phase of personal distance and the close phase of social distance marks, in the words of one subject, the “limit of domination.” Social distance is typically used in business settings, among people who are working together, and in more formal social situations.

(4) Public Distance:

            The public distance zone extends from twelve feet on out, with a close phase from twelve to twenty feet and far phase beyond that. The close phase in terms of self defence, and also sensory shifts that occur at a separation of about twelve feet. The sensory shifts associated with this distance are speech which becomes loud although not shouting.

            The far phase is truly public. At this distance people tend to be perceived “in a setting” rather than the person filling the entire stage of attention. In this phase voice and details of facial expression are lost at this distance, and voice, gestures and expressive movements must be exaggerated.