Short note on Proxemics

Proxemics 

Proxemics is the study of how people use and perceive the physical space around them. The space between the sender and the receiver of a message influences the way the message is interpreted

The perception and use of space varies significantly across cultures and different setting within cultures. Space in nonverbal communication may be divided into four main categories: intimate, social, personal, and public space. The distance between communicators will also depend on sex, status, and social role.

The term proxemics was introduced by anthropologist Edward T. Hall in 1966 to describe set measurable distances between people as they interact.

Hall's studies were inspired by earlier studies of how animals demonstrate territoriality. The term territoriality is still used in the study of proxemics to explain human behavior regarding personal space.Hargie & Dickson identify four such territories: 

1. Primary Territory: This refers ta an area that is associated with someone who has exclusive use or it. For example, a house that others cannot enter without the owner's permission.

2. Secondary Territory: Unlike the previous type, there is no "right" to occupancy, but people may still feel some degree of ownership of a particular space. For example, someone may sit in the same seat on train every da and feel aggrieved if someone else sits there.

3. Public Territory: This refers to an area that is available to all, but only for a set period,such as a parking space or a seat in a library.

Although people have only a limited claim over that space, they often exceed that claim. For example, it was found that people take longer to leave a parking space when someone is waiting to take that space.

4. Interaction Territory: This is space created by others when they are interacting. For example, when a group is talking to each other on a footpath, others will walk around the group rather than disturb it.

Distancewise it can be stated as:

1.Intimate : Physical contact/ touch to 18 inches.

2.Personal: 18 inches to 4 feet.

3. Social : 4 feet to 12 feet.

4.Public : 12 feet to so far as we can see or hear.

1. Intimate:

This ranges from actual physical contact to about 18 inches from another person. Communication and interaction within this distance are intimate activities.

2. Personal Distance/Zone :

This range from 18 inches to 4 feet. Interaction in this zone includes causes and friendly conversation including conversation with close friends, colleagues, associates and visitors.

3. Social Distance/Zone :

It ranges from four feet to about 12 feet and has aptly been called social space. We use this space mostly for formal purposes, and relationships within this circle are most official.

4. Public Distance/Zone :

It ranges from 12 feet to the limits of visibility and hearing. A good deal of communication within and outside an organisation takes place at this range.