Distance and space requirements

People from different cultures have different space requirements. For example, South Americans and Middle Easterners stand closer when they talk or sit together than North Americans (let alone Britons!) or Asians.

In the US people need to have greater distances between them physically than people in many other cultures. Although Americans are often more affectionate and more likely to touch people they know, they have a need for privacy, especially in the presence of strangers. For example, when Americans enter a bus, doctor’s office or waiting room, they sit at least one chair away from the nearest person if possible.

Conversation distance with superiors or those they don’t know well is about 3 to 4 feet. However intimate conversations may be held as close as 1.5 feet apart. Because Americans feel uncomfortable if someone stands closer, they will instinctively move away. Should this happen, don’t be offended – your listener is merely stepping back to his or her conversational distance.

Good video lectures on body language on the Internet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-eC2QQ-nSM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUXtGQkJcQ0

2.3. COMPARING AND SHARING

Here is a chart outlining how Americans greet each other. Compare these customs with the most habitual ways in this country. Demonstrate the body language you would use.

Action	In the USA	In Russia
1.Who makes the introductions?	Either the person who wishes to introduce another or a friend who knows the other person
2.Who should be introduced to whom?	A woman to a man; a younger person to an older person; a subordinate to a superior.
3. What should you say?	Hello, my name is … Mary Smith, I’ like you to meet my friend … Dr. Raman, this is my associate, Professor Allen.
4. May a man introduce himself to a woman? A woman to a man?	Yes; yes.
5. What body language should a person use?	Smile, face the person, and look attentively in his eye.
6. Tone of voice to be used	Quiet and friendly.
7. Does one shake hands when meeting someone?	Men always shake hands; if a woman extends her hand shaking is appropriate.
8. Do people embrace or kiss people of the same sex upon meeting? Does one kiss or hug children when introduced?	No, unless they are close friends. Men never kiss each other unless they are relations or very close friends. No.

Now you do it (моделирование ситуаций)

There are quite a few topics you might discuss after introductions, greetings, etc. Your choices could include:

 The country you or the other person(s) come from (What is it like? How do the two countries compare?)

 The school ( subjects you specialize in, future careers, etc,)

 The work that the other person is engaged in (if they are willing to go into detail –see K. Fox)

 Family matters

 Current events, etc.

There are however some offensive subjects that you should not talk about, especially with someone you don’t know well:

1. How much money one has or makes

2. How much one paid for the dress, shoes, tie they have on

3. Sexual subjects

4. Class status or racial issues

5. The person’s age and weight

6. Religious beliefs

2.4. Nigel Ewington is a director of WorldWork, an intercultural consultancy. Listen to him talking about managing first meetings in different cultures. audiofile: Exercise 2.4.mp3

1. Why does Nigel say it’s important to manage first meetings well when working internationally?

2. What does he describe as the main purpose of first meetings in the Arab world?

3. When he goes to China, how does he usually start small talk? Why does this create a positive impression?

4. Why is asking ‘open questions’ important?