2). Explain proxemics and chronemics. Are there universal rules for
all cultures regarding these concepts? Give personal examples if
possible. Give examples of personal experience in other cultures
regarding these two concepts.
According to the text Proxemics is the study of how we use space to communicate. The ways we structure, use, and are affected by space, that is our proximity to one another. According to Edward T. Hall (who coined the phrase) he believed "that the value in studying proxemics comes from its applicability in
evaluating not only the way man interacts with others in his daily life,
but also the organization of space in his houses and buildings, and
ultimately the layout of his towns." Hall also identified the study of personal space as the invisible boundary individuals draw around themselves.
A personal experience of mine I can relate to happened when I was stationed in Thailand. In America we tend to be very "touchy-feely" to one another. Over the years our public display of affection has grown so much over the last couple of decades that one would not be surprised to see X-rated public display of affection going on in the streets. Nevertheless while stationed there my fellow comrade of mine liked a pretty girl in Thailand and went up to her and tapped her on the shoulder to gain her attention. He was immediately greeted by four to six male Thai's that wanted to give him the biggest beat-down. Luckily for us we had an interpreter with us and he explained to both parties what is ok for us and not ok in Thailand. Apparently you can only touch a female if she is married and you happen to be her husband or if shes a prostitute. Luckily we were saved.
According to the text Chronemics is the study of use and time. The text adds that a universal rule for Western Culture is very particular when dealing within the concept of time. As the saying goes "time is money". Time is considered to be a positive nonverbal behavior because it is does not keep people waiting and it gives adequate time to others.
I will use my time in Japan as an experience. When we trained with the Japanese and they taught us karate and various forms of defense, they noticed how prompt we were. In the Marines we had the the rule that if you were 15 minutes early for formation you were considered on time, but if you were there on time you were considered late. Tough place to earn a living I know, nevertheless they lived under the same philosophy saying that lateness was considered disrespectful. They used to say that the only time they would not be there if the two D's happened. they are died or they are dead. Which I always thought was funny.
I really liked how you shared your experience pertaining to proxemics since it was a perfect example. While I have not been to another country, I do have a lot of friends that are not originally from the United States. Gradually getting to know them, I have gotten a better sense of having to respect their space whether it was not talking too close to their face or not sitting right next to them at a restaurant. It is incredible how the idea of space is such as strong aspect of communication and can be even a make or break moment in any given social interaction. Even within our own country, people come from different regions and grow up with different household experiences, so keeping in mind space boundaries go beyond just other ethnicities. I do agree with you that personal space is like an invisible boundary individuals draw around themselves. With that, through decoding both verbal and nonverbal cues, we must find out how to respect those boundaries.
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