Case 39 the problem using the local language
In 1988, Frank came to China from Australia for research purposes. He chose Beijng as his first stop. In order to help his communications with the local people, he boned up on the Chinese language, which he had been studying at college and with which he could communicate fairly comfortably. After he arrived in Beijng, he began to talk to some of the local people to ask directions and advice.
At first, the conversation between them seemed to go quite smoothly, buy as it progressed, the lady seemed to step further and further away from Mark as he had been gradually moving closer to her. The lady obviously seemed uncomfortable. As Mark was about to ask her questions regarding Australian social customs, another man standing nearby directed a glance toward the lady. She excused herself and went to talk with that man, leaving Mark standing alone and wondering why their conversation had come to such a sudden stop.
Public distance
0-45 centimeters
45-80 centimeters (friends acquaintances and relatives converse) 1.30meters-3meters (for people who work together, or people doing business, as well as most of those in conversation at social gatherings) farther than 2 or 3 meters (generally for speakers in public and for teachers in classrooms)
Space language
❖ There are four major types of distances in American social and business circumstances: intimate, personal, social, and public
Intimate distance Personal distance Social distance
❖ There is a lot of evidence to show that body distance vaircumstances, and different cultures.
❖ In Denmark, at a formal event, the intimate space is usually between 20 to 30 centimeter; while in Australia, such an occasion requires a body distance of 40 to 50 centimeters.
Unit 5
Nonverbal Communication
❖ It’s not what he said, but the way he said it. English Saying
❖ There is language in her eyes, her cheeks, her lips. William Shakespeare
Why did that woman suddenly stop talking with Mark and turned to another man?
Comment: This is a typical case of misunderstanding caused by different perceptions about body distance.
Case1 turn to talk to another man
❖ Mark had recently moved from Denmark to Sydney to work as a salesperson for a large Australian company. After three weeks, he was invited to join a local club. During the first few weeks at the club, Mark would either stand in the corner talking with someone or sit on a sofa listening to other people talk and chat. As time went by, he came to know most of the club members and seemed to enjoy talking with them. One day, at an evening party, one of the female members approached him. Mark immediately showed his interest by talking about the atmosphere of the party.