Proxemics
studies the way we use space to communicate. We communicate by our proximity to
each other and how we structure, use and are affected by the space between us
and someone else. There is a universal rule regarding proxemics, and that is
that people have a comfort zone or invisible boundary around them, that if
crossed, provides immediate discomfort to the individual. This boundary varies
depending on circumstances and the relationships among people. All people have
comfort zones; however, the size of that comfort zone varies in different
cultures. When I was in Italy, it seemed like people were more comfortable
standing closer to me than I was comfortable with. On the other extreme, when I
would visit Japanese acquaintances of mine, I was careful not to stand too
close when talking with them because they didn’t seem comfortable. Whether this
was part of their culture or not, I really don’t know for sure.
Chronemics
studies the use of time. We in the
western world are very time-conscious. We organize our days around time. I’ll
use Italy again to explain another culture’s concept of time. I was in Italy as
a chaperone for World Youth Day. We went to a lot of masses. Many times, the
masses would not start “on time” as I saw it. I learned that times in Italy
often were not closely adhered to; the masses would start generally later than
the listed time. I have seen a similar thing in close friends from Mexico. I know
not to expect to see them at the time we both specify. They will probably show
up later. It’s not a matter of disrespect; it’s just the way things are.
Hi Lee, I enjoyed reading your post about proxemics and chronemics. You did a great job the general explanation of proxemics and how it is used in society. I like how you went into detail about how there is a universal role when it comes to proxemics; it allows people to have a comfort zone with that "invisible boundary" the text talks about. It's important that we notice this because once people cross that area of comfortability, we are automatically in discomfort of the conversation. I also like how you mention that there are multiple kinds of comfort zones depending on your culture and what you believe is to be normal. Your personal experience was a perfect example for proxemics. When you were in Italy, you noticed that it was okay to be more close to others while communicating. However, when you were in Japan, you knew that it was uncomfortable for them so you made sure to give them that space. It's a really good thing you were able to observe that before you got into a group conversation with them. I think that's the most important part of proxemics- the fact that you noticed it beforehand was probably extremely beneficial for you and saved you a lot of awkward tension and discomfort. It's also good that you didn't "test" the waters either by attempting to get close, then step away.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the examples you used in the post about chronemics. For me, I was brought up to always be on time and punctual no matter what the occasion was. I'm the type of person where if I'm not there five minutes early, I consider myself late. When you talked about your personal experiences in Mexico it really surprised me. The fact that showing up late was the way things are, not a matter of disrespect was a complete shock to me. I guess that's just part of my culture that I have not yet adapted to. But I do realize that many people do think this way-it's not a big deal if you're late, it's just normal. Because I am good with time (many of my friends know this), they purposely try to be earlier for me because I know how much it bothers me when people are late. Even though there are those who accept being late as normal, I don't think I can ever do that! But it was nice to know that there are people who don't mind at all which can be beneficial to their friends who do the same thing.
Hi Lee!
ReplyDeleteThe study of proxemics and chronemics are both important factors in understanding small group communication and you did a great job of explaining both concepts in your post. It is important to always be aware of proximity when engaging in conversation as there are certain boundaries that may cause people to become uncomfortable. I know that for me personally, I always feel a little awkward when someone speaks to me too close as it feels as though they are right in my face, which is too close for comfort in my opinion. As well, chronemics is something to be conscious of as time is a valuable asset so it is important to always be punctual as a way to show that you value the time of others as much as your own.