المستخلص: |
This paper investigates micro-cultural patterns of proxemics in a Saudi community. Data is collected through unobtrusive observation, and documentary photographing of male and female participants in formal and informal settings both in public and private settings. Analysis revealed that in spite of the conservative nature of the community, there are occasions when male-female segregation is violated. In public places mixing is observed, while in more formal occasions segregation is more forcibly imposed. Contrasting findings are found in proxemics patterns of interact ants in public and private settings. In public settings, greeting distance is more than in private settings. Walking and standing distance in public settings is less than in private settings due mainly to space constraints. Sitting distance in public settings is much less than it is in private settings. In some formal occasions such as wedding rituals and game playing sessions, very close proximity is common. Conversing distance in public is more than it is in private. Eating distance is very close both in public and private settings. This observation applies only to same- sex groups. Observed interact ants' proxemics patterns do not support the generalization made by Hall that Arabs "breathe on people’s faces".
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