Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Proxemics vs Chronemics



Proxemics: is the study of how we use space to communicate. Different cultures have different views about proxemics.  Western culture follows the norm of talking to people at a comfortable distance. Whereas in Arab culture, when two men speak they stand so close to each other that they can smell each other’s mouth. And they regard that because they believe unless they smell each other’s mouth how can they establish brotherhood and friendship for trust amongst each other.
Chronemics: is the study of use of time. Again western culture values time whereas my culture takes time for granted. I come from the Indian culture, where family, friends are more important than anything else. As a result people do not prioritize promptness in work or any other daily activity. So there is a saying that if you come by “Indian Time” you are ought to be late. For example whenever we have a cultural get together and we call people at 5pm; it is assumed that they will run at least 1 hour late because they follow the Indian time.

1 comment:

  1. Your view of proxemics is news to me. I did not know that the Arab culture likes to stand so close to each other that they establish brotherhood and trust with each other. I personally would feel uncomfortable because I'm used to the western cultures “Personal Space” haha.

    As for your view of Chronemics I feel that if we are people whose ancestors or grandparents immigrated from another country to come to the united states the stereotype of Asian time or Indian time is something westerners joke about. Its not totally cool with me but at least its not horrendously offending you know?

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