A System for the Notation of Proxemic Behavior 1

Abstract

Hall defines "proxemics" as "...the study of how manunconsciously structures microspace- the distance between men in the conduct of daily transactions, the organization of space in his houses and buildings, and ultimately the layout of his towns." [p. 1003] In this article he aims at developing a method fornotationsofproxemic behaviors. These are needed because proxemic behavior happens just asunconsciouslyas tone of voice for example, so asking participants about proxemic behaviors doesn't yield (satisfying) results. Therefore such behaviors have to be collected and analysed by observing researchers. "Proxemic behavior can be seen as a function of eight different 'dimensions' with their appropriate scales" [p. 1006] These dimensions are: (1)Posture and sex- what sex are the participants and are they standing, sitting down, lying down, squatting etc.? (2)The sociofugal-sociopetal axis- The terms "sociofugal" and "sociopetal" have been derived from Osmond (1957) - sociofugal means that people's behavior is directed at leaving the interaction (fleeing from it); sociopetal means that people's behavior is aimed at being pulled into the interaction. (3)Kinesthetic factors- are participants close enough to stroke each other, hug each other, or strike each other? (4)Touching- do participants touch one another (purposely or not) during the interaction? (5)Vision- do participants look at each other, into the other's eyes, away, do they stare etc.? (6)Thermal factors- can participants sense the other person's body heat through conduction or radiation? (7)Olfaction- can participants smell the other person's bodily smells (breath, sweat, feet etc.)? (8)Voice loudness- how loud or soft do participants speak. Factors involved are (a) distance (b) the relationship between participants and (c) the subject that is discussed in a given situation [p. 1016]