Proxemics is "the study of how we use space to communicate." The book says that sitting or standing near another person could be a strategy for gaining access to a group or for making friends; but this can also be interpreted by the group as an invasion of personal space. There are unwritten rule for this concept though. For example, there are seating arrangements for people that are working in close proximity. The book illustrates two people working at the same desk in four different scenarios and four different positions. In a competitive setting, the two people are sitting across from each other; in a co-active environment, the two people sit at opposite corners of the table; in a cooperative setting, they sit adjacent to each other around the same corner of the table; and the modified cooperative setting shows two people sitting side by side. These positions on the table are meant to signify a level of power, dominance, and cooperation. The books says that the head of the table is considered powerful, which has been consistent with our culture, or at least is was for a while. I've never seen this happen as a display of power, but I have seen this kind of seating arrangement used in the MLK library. People that are working together usually sit next to each other or near each other, whereas people that are not working together will sit at opposite ends or opposite sides of the table.
Chronemics is the study of the use of time. According to the book, "western cultures are particularly oriented toward clock-based time as an organizing principle in the work world. Our culture, whether it be school or work, is big on deadlines and making sure that things are submitted on time. We also use time to organize events, and it can be considered disrespectful to show up late to certain events, such as a job interview or a certain kind of ceremony. Yet, in more casual settings with friends, it is often perfectly acceptable to show up late. I've mentioned before that when I hang out with my friends, everyone always shows up about ten minutes later than when we agreed to meet. Even though that is acceptable with my friends, it would be unacceptable to show up to a job interview or to class that late. When I took German in high school, my teacher said in Germany it is considered rude to show up too early when you have been invited over to someone's house, and people that arrive early will wait in their car to kill time before they go up to the door.
Hey Burg, great post! I have heard similar stories of British people from my friend Lisa, who lives in London. I personally thought it was ridiculous when she was turned down by one of her friends because she reached 5 minutes late. Lisa tells that if you make an appointment to go to someone’s house, you have to be there on time otherwise they plainly refuse to entertain you because you are late. I understand the importance of being punctual to respect other’s time and effort in case of an appointment made, but there can be unavoidable reasons for the delay like traffic, late trains, and unexpected weather changes. Similarly it can happen from your side as well so there has to be some margin of at least 5 minutes here and there to cover up. If you ask me personally even I do not like when people come late, but then I am not as strict as the Brits or Germans to stick to the clock because of the fact that sometime I might be in the same situation as well. The best policy is to inform the person if you are getting late so he knows what to expect.
ReplyDeleteGreat descriptions of proxemics and chronemics! Noticing how people sit in relation to each other is important to get a feel of how the group is doing and their group process. When I’m with a group or another person, I like to sit right next to them so we can collaborate more easily. I find it frustrating when I’m trying to work with other people in my group and they’re sitting across from me. My friends are pretty chill on being on time as well. Being 10 minutes late is nothing big as long as you still go, but if you’re always late it may get annoying. Chronemics in Germany is interesting! I wonder how it is in other countries as well!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean. I've been to MLK library and have seen people sit next to each other and across from each other to maintain neutral power to everyone. But, i have seen where people sit in the conference room and set up the table and chairs as if one person was going to talk the whole time, and actually time. I think we have all been in that situation where the only seat that is available is the one at the head of the table, but nobody wants it because they don't want to be labled as the head of the table or the leader of the table. So, i think proexmics has a big deal with group communication.
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