Personal space boundaries vary by culture from "summary" of You Say More Than You Think by Janine Driver,Mariska van Aalst
Different cultures have different norms when it comes to personal space. In some cultures, people stand closer to each other during conversations, while in others, they prefer to keep more distance. For example, in Latin American cultures, people tend to stand closer to each other and touch more during conversations. This is seen as a sign of intimacy and friendliness. On the other hand, in North American cultures, people tend to stand further apart and touch less during conversations. This is seen as a sign of respect for personal space. In Asian cultures, personal space boundaries are also different. In Japan, for example, people tend to stand further apart during conversations and avoid physical contact. This is seen as a sign of respect for personal space and a way to maintain harmony in social interactions. In contrast, in Middle Eastern cultures, people tend to stand closer to each other and touch more during conversations. This is seen as a sign of warmth and hospitality. Understanding these cultural differences in personal space boundaries is important for effective communication. If someone from a Latin American culture stands closer to someone from a North American culture during a conversation, the North American may feel uncomfortable and perceive the Latin American as being too intrusive. Similarly, if someone from a Japanese culture stands further apart from someone from a Middle Eastern culture during a conversation, the Middle Eastern may perceive the Japanese as being distant or cold.- People can show respect and consideration for others. This can help build stronger relationships and avoid misunderstandings in communication. Ultimately, being mindful of cultural differences in personal space can lead to more positive and harmonious interactions with others.
