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.
Proxemics is study of how
people use the space around us to communicate. The book states how the seating arrangement
gives off a non-verbal message. I believe that this can be true because I have
seen it. In the Asian culture, or at least my culture, the person who sits at
the head of the table is consider to be the more powerful one. The people
sitting next to this person will be the second/third most powerful and so on. Whenever
my grandpa has a meeting with his siblings, I would see them hanging out on a
round table more than a rectangular one, because it shows that there is no one
really in a higher position.
Chronemics is the study of
how we use time. People will always have deadlines that are to be met.
Sometimes deadlines aren’t met on time that can be okay, but sometimes it is
not okay. When I am late to my friend’s house to hang out, it is okay. For us
it is normal to be late and we don’t mind the extra wait. It does matter if I am
late to my grandparent’s house though. They consider it rude that I do not
respect their time and that I am wasting their time because they are waiting
for me to show up. I think it is important to show up on time to their house because
it shows the importance of their position in my life.
It's an interesting observation you made about the way your family meeting are around a round table. In my house, there are no round tables, maybe there is a reason for that. It does make you think twice before you set a room. If you are hoping to resolve a conflict in a a particular space, there are some things that may be considered. When you sit a the head of the table with the two conflicting parties on the corners, you give them the opportunity to avoid eye contact if they want to. When you have to sit right across from somebody, you are forced to make eye contact and that can cause more conflict. Maybe the table is not just the table.
ReplyDeleteHi Cyyntthhia!
ReplyDeleteThat example about the head of the table in Asian culture is a great one. I think it is really interesting how artifacts like tables and chairs can be used to represent positions of power, and that certain cultures place different levels of significance on things like that. At my house, we have an oval shaped table, and my brother and I have always sat at the ends (or heads) of the table while my parents sit on the side, so it's interesting to see that contrast in culture. I've also heard that other cultures use eye contact as a way of showing power or authority. I can't remember for certain, but my memory tells me that it is disrespectful for kids to look at an elder or authority figure when they are being spoken to. Obviously that kind of nonverbal communication is the complete opposite from our culture, which values eye contact during discussion.
Cheers!