Influence on Proxemics

Influence of Proxemics Specifically, according to Edward T. Hall, who has pioneered the study of spatial communication. Proxemics refers to the use of space in communication: "the study of how man unconsciously structures microspace-the distance between men in conduct of daily transaction, the organization of space in his houses and buildings, and ultimately the layout of his towns." According to Hall, the way space is used in interaction is very much a cultural matter. In …

…If, however, you are perceived negatively and you violate the norm, you will be perceived even more negatively. Thus, the positively evaluated person will be perceived more positively if he or she violates the norm, whereas the negatively evaluated person will be more positively perceived if the distance norm is not violated. *1 Edward T. Hall, The Silent Language (New York: Doubleday, 1959), 163-164. *2 Burgoon, Judee et al. Nonverbal Communication: The Unspoken Dialogue. (New York: Harper & Row, 1989).