Name:

Course: Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Tutor:
Date: July 9th, 2018

Theoretical Perspective

The theory that I will use is Proxemics. It was developed by Edward Hall, and it was used to

study nonverbal communication. This theory indicates that Proxemics is the use of territory and

spatial relationships on how people communicate nonverbally through it (Heath, 2000). When

Edward Hall first introduced his theory in 1963, it was relatively new in the world of nonverbal

communication. Nowadays, it is a more recognized theory in many areas of human development.

According to Hall’s theory, the three primary parts linked to proxemics are space, distance, and

territory. As applied to my study, this theory holds that I would expect my independent variables:

Cultural Background (Low-context cultures vs High-context cultures), Age, Gender, Use of

Space, Distance and Territory in the classroom to influence or explain the dependent variables of

verbal and nonverbal communication in English as a Second Language because they will

determine how personal cultures influence expectations about appropriate classroom

communication and ways to demonstrate learning. Proxemics will influence communication in a

number of ways. Having a better understanding of proxemics will enable learners and teachers to

identify proxemics’ mechanisms at school, thereby breaking down the objects blocking their

interaction and projecting them to the community.

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 References

Hall, E. T. (1968). The silent language. New York, NY: Fawcett World Library.

Hall, E. T. (1969). The hidden dimension. Garden City, NY: Anchor Books, Doubleday &

Company, Inc.

Hall, E. T. (1989). Beyond culture. New York: Anchor Books Editions.

Heath, G.J. (2000). Theory of Proxemics. Retrieved from

http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Speech/rccs/theory07.html

Vargas, M. (1986). Louder than words: An introduction to nonverbal communication. Ames, IA:

Iowa State University Press.