Discussion #2, Oct 1-7

2). Explain proxemics and chronemics. Are there universal rules for all cultures regarding these concepts? Give personal examples if possible. Give examples of personal experience in other cultures regarding these two concepts.

Proxemics is the study of how we use space to communicate. How close we sit or stand to someone when we talk communicates our attitude and feelings towards the person. In Comm 101C our teacher, Dr. Webb, had us do an activity in which we would talk about a topic supplied to us. And every time Dr. Webb would indicate, we would have to take a step closer to one another. Eventually we were extremely close and people’s body language, eye contact, and even tone of voice would change. Dr. Webb was showing us the effects proxemics has on communication. Another example is when my Dad told me of an instance where he and his male Greek friend went for a walk around town, and his friend literally held him by the arm, making them look like a couple. My Dad was alarmed but understood the cultural differences in proxemics. Chronemics is the study of the use of time. Groups must be sensitive to the time-based expectations of the members within the group. My Dad is always running late on things, when we decide to go somewhere, he would have us start the car, and suddenly he would have 15 things to do in the house before we could leave. My sister and I would grow impatient of sitting in a running car watching him run out the front door, and whip around to go right back in.