Page 188 - Communication across Cultures

Communication across Cultures

nication and rely on contextual cues and non-verbal signals. Conversations may be
interrupted and conversations may overlap, with a focus on maintaining social harmony
rather than strict adherence to linear communication.
Tolerance for interruptions: In the polychronic view, interruptions and unexpect-
ed events are seen as a natural part of life. These interruptions may be seen as opportu-
nities for spontaneous interactions or as a chance to address immediate needs.
It’s important to note that the distinction between monochronic and polychronic
views of time is not absolute, and individuals and cultures may exhibit varying degrees
of both perspectives depending on the context and personal preferences.
6.4.2 Proxemics

The language of space is powerful. How close can we get to people; how distant
should we be? Most of us never think about space; we intuitively know what the right
distance is. Our use of space in communication is an excellent illustration that culture is
learned and not inborn, though our parents may have given us some verbal instruction
on space, we have learned most of our behavior by observation. We simply do what is
“right”.
Japanese learn the same way, and so do Arabs, Russians, Mexicans, and members
of all other cultures. The problem is that the acceptable use of space varies widely
among cultures. What feels right for us may be totally offensive to someone else. Space
in many ways becomes an extension of us, and we feel uncomfortable with people who
play by different rules.
Every living thing has a visible physical boundary—its skin—separating it from
its external environment. This visible boundary is surrounded by a series of invisible
boundaries that are more difficult to define but just as real. These other boundaries be-
gin with the individual’s personal space.
Each person has around him or her an invisible bubble of space that expands and
contracts depending on a number of things: the relationship to the people nearby, the
person’s emotional state, cultural background, and the activity being performed. Few
people are allowed to penetrate this bit of mobile territory even for a short period of
time. Changes in the bubble brought about by cramped quarters or crowding cause peo-
ple to feel uncomfortable or aggressive.
Our private space is sacred, and we feel violated if someone invades that personal
bubble, in the United States that bubble is about the length of an arm and we talk about
arms-length relationships, meaning that we keep someone at a distance and don’t allow

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