In every communicative context, there is need to respect the territorial right of an individual. When this is done, communication flows and meaning is decoded without being misread. This is better known as space and distance in communication. That is, the space between interlocutors and the distance which they maintain while holding the conversation. Edward T. Hall in his creatively written book, The Hidden Dimension, aptly talks about the concept of space as it appears in nonverbal communication. He reiterates the fact that the space people maintain in a conversation has effects or an influence over the communication process. “Proxemics” is the term Hall has coined for the interrelated observations and theories of man’s use of space as a specialized elaboration of culture (Hopkins, 2018).
Dictionary.com defines proxemics as “the study of human use of space and the effects that population density has on behavior, communication, and social interaction.” Hall, the father of proxemics, defined it as “the interrelated observations and theories of humans’ use of space as a specialized elaboration of culture.” Hall, in his book, emphasized the impact of proxemic behavior (the use of space) on interpersonal communication. According to Hall, the study of proxemics is valuable in evaluating not only the way people interact with others in daily life, but also “the organization of space in [their] houses and buildings, and ultimately the layout of [their] towns” (Hall, 1963).
Let’s employ a bit of practical to make the concept of space and distance very clear: a use of space which many people can readily connect with is a person’s favorite chair. Frequently it is Dad who has a chair which is his, and it is extremely dangerous for anyone else to sit in it. The person who sits in “Dad’s chair” without asking permission seems to be invading personal territory. When such an occurrence takes place, we frequently think of the intruder as ill-mannered. You will even find some people who become quite upset at this invasion of their private space (Hopkins, 2018).
Another place where most of you have observed special treatment of space is in business offices. Office space is usually allotted on the basis of a person’s position in the structure and on the organization chart. This is such a common occurrence that it receives special attention in office management textbooks. Some have noted that private offices vary from 600 square feet for senior executives to 200 feet for senior assistants, and 75 to 100 square feet for cubicles in an open office space.”
Some older-style companies have a “space manual” that lists the amount of room to which a particular level manager is entitled. One company has such a manual that lists not only size of office but also desk top size so that position in the organization structure also indicates and dictates desk top space. The manual also prescribes how many chairs “with arms” and “without arms” are permitted in an office which has a desk top of certain size. If anyone intrudes or violates the stated guidelines of the arrangement, they can be heavily punished for it. It is tantamount to not obeying the traditions of the company (Hopkins, 2018).
Hall, in his foundational book on proxemics, describes the interpersonal distances of man (the relative distances between people) in four distinct zones: (1) intimate space, (2) personal space, (3) social space, and (4) public space. All these four are seen as horizontal movements.
The intimate distance: This is used for embracing, whispering, touching, lovemaking,wrestling, comforting, and protecting. The close phase for this is less than 1 to 2 cm while the far phase is 6 to 18 inches (15 to 46 cm).
Personal distance: This is used for interactions among good friends and family members. However, it is a no-contact distance. ‘Where people stand in relation to each other signals their relationship, or how they feel toward each other, or both. A wife can stay inside the circle of her husband’s close personal zone with impunity. For another woman to do so is an entirely different story (Hopkins, 2018). For a close phase, it is usually 1.5 to 2.5 feet (46 to 76 cm) while for a far phase, 2.5 to 4 feet (76 to 122 cm).
Social distance: It is employed for interactions among acquaintances. Impersonal business or casual conversations can be carried on in this space. People are very much aware of the presence of one another, but they neither interfere with each other nor are they oppressively near (Hopkins, 2018). For a close phase, the distance is 4 to 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 m), while for a far phase, it is 7 to 12 feet (2.1 to 3.7 m).
Public distance: This is maintained during public speaking. A person at this distance is outside the circle of involvement. Anyone on a public occasion makes use of this distance too. The distance for a close range is 12 to 25 feet (3.7 to 7.6 m) while that of a far phase is 25 feet (7.6 m) or more.
The distance surrounding a person forms a space. The space within intimate distance and personal distance is called personal space. The space within social distance and out of personal distance is called social space. And the space within public distance is called public space. Personal space is the region surrounding a person which they regard as psychologically theirs. Most people value their personal space and feel discomfort, anger, or anxiety when their personal space is encroached (Hall, 1966). Permitting a person to enter personal space and entering somebody else’s personal space are indicators of perception of those people’s relationship. An intimate zone is reserved for close friends, lovers, children and close family members. Another zone is used for conversations with friends, to chat with associates, and in group discussions. A further zone is reserved for strangers, newly formed groups, and new acquaintances. A fourth zone is used for speeches, lectures, and theater; essentially, public distance is that range reserved for larger audiences (Engleberg, 2016).
References
Engleberg, I. N. (2006). Working in Groups: Communication Principles and Strategies.My Communication Kit Series. pp. 140–141.
Hall, E. T. (1966). The Hidden Dimension. Anchor Books. ISBN 0-385-08476-5.
Hopkins, L (2018). Nonverbal Communication and Space. Retrieved from http://leehopkins.com/nonverbal-communication-space.html
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