Intercultural Study of Personal Space by Linh Bui

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Intercultural Study of Personal Spaceby Linh
Bui Julielynn Wong
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Personal space is an innate element of all human
beings but the length, the thickness and the
characteristics of that space will vary according
to the culture.
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4 dimensions of personal space

• Intimate distance It corresponds to a high level
  of intimacy between 2 persons. It includes the
  touching.
• range 0 cm and 50 cm
• Personal distance It is the distance between 2
  persons who knows each other with a relative
  intimacy, as friends, brothers and sisters.
• range 50 cm to 1.30 m
• Social distance It corresponds to a more
  superficial and impersonal form of communication,
  or business relation. Ex co-workers, boss,
  social gathering, public event.
• range 1.30 m to 2.30 m more formal
  2.3 - 4 m
• Public distance There is no intimacy with the
  speakers.
• range 4 m to 8.25 m in a formal setting
• Important public figures and famous artists
  the security zone is at a minimum of 10 meters.

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Cultural Groups within Personal Distance
Dimension (0.50 1.3 m)
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Cultural Groups within Personal Distance
Dimension (0.50 1.3 m)
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Cultural Groups within Social Distance Dimension
(1.3 - 4 m)
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Cultural Groups within and above Public Distance
Dimension (4 8.25 m)
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References

• Hall, Edward, T. (1959). The Silent Language.
  Anchor Books Ed. New York. 217 p.
• Hall, Edward, T. (1966). The Hidden Dimension
  mans use of space in public and private. Bodley
  Head London, 201 p.
• Thanks to all the students and staff who
  participated in the study.