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1、A Thesis on the Cultural Characteristics of Proxemics AbstractThe thesis mainly discusses the cultural characteristics of proxemics. Our conception of space originates in our social practices while the established proxemics shapes our own activities. Different cultures create different spatial arran
2、gements, that in turn, reflect and reshape the specific cultures. Spatial arrangements are a form of nonverbal communication. It is a silent language that indicates not only individual preferences but also cultural stereotypes. In intercultural communication, people are prone to ignore the spatial f
3、actors that, somehow, exist behind the scene. Unconsciously, we take it for granted that our way of perceiving and using the space is correct and faultless while denounce cultural diversity as absurd. Study of the differences helps us get a better understanding of “dos” and “donts” in intercultural
4、communication. Only in this way can we get over difficulties and enhance the cooperation and interaction between cultures.Cultural Proxemics“Proxemics refers to our use of space and the way we use space to govern the personal actions and behaviors of others,”1 that is, a dynamic conception of space.
5、 The conception of space features physical as well as cultural factors. However what we are giving to discuss here is not the physical side of proxemics but its cultural significance. The conception of space originates from visual perception of our surroundings and mental reflection of our daily pra
6、ctices. Above all, its a product of socio-cultural activities. Thus it invariably serves the need of different socio-cultural purposes in different cultures. As social purposes are usually colored by cultural differences, the conception of space draws on a veil of culture. Based on this, we try to r
7、eveal some depth of cultural potentials incorporated in proxemics. The study is of practical value to intercultural communication, as the cultural diversity and cultural values of proxemics may help us avoid misunderstanding caused by cultural ambiguity and enhance our ability to cope with cultural
8、stereotypes. The thesis is divided into three parts. Part I illustrates the cultural diversity of proxemics; Part II discusses cultural values behind proxemics and Part III is devoted to the application of proxemcs in tackling real-life interpersonal relations.Part I Cultural diversity of proxemics“
9、Since space is a cultural construction that is often taken for granted, we rarely pay attention to the implications and differences of spatial arrangements.”2 Therefore, when we come across another culture other than our own if we have got no idea about the differences, we are bounded to run into en
10、dless troubles. In order to form a more elaborate picture of above-mentioned cultural differences and proxemics obstacles that hinder our free communication, we start with a comparison between western and Chinese families. Most westerners sleep on their own at an early age while traditionally most C
11、hinese children sleep with their parents till a much older age. 1 2 Customarily, westerners who remain living with their parents beyond a certain age (usually 18) would regard it as a shame signs of lacking in independence, while Chinese seem to enjoy the scene of “four generation in one household.”
12、 The above- mentioned partly reflect discrepancies between cultures in concern of space. From the example, its not hard for us to understand the importance of studying the cultural diversity of proxemics.Proxemics, being a form of nonverbal language, unquestionably serves to convey cultural meanings
13、. Even the basic conceptions of space vary from culture to culture.” Westerners, for example, tend to view space as a void filled with objects, but in other societies, there is no such thing as empty space. A space is always filled with something, even if that thing is spiritual in nature.” As for t
14、he causes of these distinctions, the explanations can only be traced to the dissimilarities in their cultural background. To show this, a Chinese scholar argued that land-dwellers and islanders may have different concepts of the world. Land-dwellers view the world as a consecutive whole while island
15、ers think the word is separated and unconstant.3 It is their spatial conditions that instill such impressions as cohesion or unconstancy in their minds.We notice that cultural stereotype, which means a fixed set of opinions towards the world varying with cultures, plays a worthwhile role in the form
16、ation of different expressions of space. In a sense, cultural stereotypes are nothing more than filters which leave out unnecessary or unwanted information while keep necessary or expected information. When confronted with the same issue, people from different cultures may receive different or even contradictory information and thus react differently. As for as proxemics is concerned, cultural stereotypes direct peoples attention
