question_answer

Define ‘interpersonal physical distance’. Explain its various types mentioned by Edward Hall.     (Delhi Board 2014)

Answer:

Ans.     In social situations, human beings like to maintain a certain physical distance from the person with whom they are interacting. This is called interpersonal physical distance.

There are four types of interpersonal physical distance.

(a) Intimate Distance (up to 18 inches): The distance we maintain when we are talking privately to someone, or interacting with a very close friend or relative.

(b) Personal Distance (18 inches - 4 feet): The distance we maintain when we are interacting one-to-one with a close friend, relative or even with someone not very close to us in a work setting or other social situation.

(c) Social Distance (4 to 10 feet)

(d) Public distance (l0 feet to infinity): The distance we maintain when the interaction is formal and not close

The distance we maintain in a formal setting, where there is a large number of persons.

e.g., the distance of an audience from a public speaker or a teacher in a classroom.