Proxemics: how to communicate with space

Proxemics is the study of the relationships of proximity and distance between people and objects during interactions. It studies the distance that people maintain when they interact and the presence or absence of physical contact. Based on all this, proxemics establishes the emotional distances that exist between the people who interact.

Proxemics teaches us that talking to a person while facing them may seem normal, but in some cultures, the most accepted position is to be at a 90-degree angle. The same thing happens with greeting by giving kisses or shaking hands. These practices that Hispanics carry out in their daily lives are too intense in other cultures such as Japan. They prefer to avoid physical contact and greet each other with a nod.

Contact in proxemics

Each culture establishes different types of contact. There are cultures in which physical contact is not allowed in public while in others it often occurs. These cultural differences have led to a distinction between high- and low-contact cultures. High-contact cultures are those where the distances between people tend to be smaller. On the other hand, in low-contact cultures, the space between interacting people is much greater.

But these cultural differences not only appear in contact, they are also present in space. The distance between people and the configuration of the environment indicate what distance is considered acceptable. The spaces that different cultures use can be divided into three: the fixed space, the semi-fixed and the personal or informal space.

Space in proxemics

Fixed space is the immovable structures that mark distance. The most recognized are the borders between countries. But so are the provisions that the houses have; the structure of families; buildings; the composition of cities; or the trees that we can find within a city. All these aspects will determine, in part, the distances we maintain with other people.

Semi-fixed space is one in which objects do not limit movement since they can move. A door can be open or closed. There are two types of semi-fixed spaces. Sociofuges are what make people move, like uncomfortable chairs or supermarkets when things change so we have to look for them. On the other hand, sociopets are those who incite conversation or interaction. Like, for example, the seats used by therapists or the round tables that encourage conversation.

Finally, personal or informal space is the one around our body. While Nordic cultures tend to be distant, Mediterranean, Latin and tropical cultures are very close. Close cultures use more physical contact and the distances between people are very short.

Distance in proxemics

Personal space gives rise to distance. The distance that exists between people in different interactions. The distance we maintain with other people will depend, in addition to our culture, on the relationship we have. Taking this into account, four types of distances emerge:

Intimate distance. This distance occurs in close relationships, in love, but also with family and close friends. Although with the latter the intimate distance occurs in a distant phase. Intimate distance is an invasion of personal space, which is why not everyone accepts it.Personal distance. Contact at this distance occurs without invading personal space. It is used with close people, with people we know. When we talk to someone. Although it varies between cultures, this space is usually the length of an arm.Social distance. It is the distance we maintain with strangers. We use it with people without a friendship. With whom there is no emotional closeness. We also use it when we are getting to know a person or in work meetings.Public distance. This is a distance of more than 3.5 meters. It is the ideal distance to address a group of people. Distance makes the tone of voice loud and we use it in conferences and talks.

Although there are many factors involved, proxemics is usually similar in the interactions we have in our daily lives. The distances and contacts we maintain with other people will be differentiated by emotional closeness. that we have with those people. Even so, the use of space will also have an influence by creating impediments or favoring closeness.