Introduction to Linguistics (Eng502)

Fall 2019
Assignment No. 1
Total Marks: 20
Lectures: 1-10

Instructions:

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entertained.
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Q1.Nonverbal communication is the process of sending and receiving messages

without using words, either spoken or written. The messages which are delivered
through non-verbal communication can be ambiguous(confusing) or
credible(reliable). Five nonverbal expressions have been given in the following
table. Identify each expression as credible OR ambiguous. Also, give a reason for
the credibility or ambiguity in the expressions.
(2*5=10 marks)

Non-verbal Expressions Credible/Ambiguous Reason

Credible First person is
saying
something to
other and he is
listening and
trying to
imagine
something in
his mind with
close eyes. It
may be
something
 interesting or
memorable.
Ambiguous Her expression
is like she can’t
believe on that
particular
situation and
her face like.
What?? How?

Credible Because it is
easy to
understand that
she telling
someone to
quite or don’t
make noise with
her finger on
lips.

Credible Because its

clear from the
pic that two
boys are
arguing on
something and
first one trying
to blame other
by raising his
finger on him.
 Credinble Because the
buyer doesnot
know the
Chinese
language so he
try to tell the
shopkeeper the
quantity of the
product he want
to buy which is
two by his
fingers.

Q2.When we are content with and attracted to someone, we say we are ‘close’ to
him or her. When we lose connection with someone, we may say he or she is
‘distant’. These situations refer to the concept of proxemics. Define the term
proxemics also elaborate the four zones of personal space.
(2+2+2+2+2=10 marks)
Ans Question on 2

Proxemics is the study of human use of space and the effects that population density
has on behaviour, communication, and social interaction.[1]
Proxemics is one among several subcategories in the study of nonverbal
communication, including haptics (touch), kinesics (body
movement), vocalics (paralanguage), and chronemics (structure of time).[2]
Edward T. Hall, the cultural anthropologist who coined the term in 1963, defined
proxemics as "the interrelated observations and theories of humans use of space as a
specialized elaboration of culture"
It has four zones
.1.Intimate Space

Intimate distances are those reserved for close, trusting relationships. People hugging,
standing side-by-side, or engaging in close conversation are examples of intimate
space.

We only let the closest people touch us. Anyone allowed to experience this zone that
we are not comfortable with will result in considerable social discomfort. Think about
being in an elevator or packed in a lobby. This type of discomfort can affect our capacity
for relations.
2.Personal Space

Our family and close friends usually engage us within our personal space, a two-to-four
foot bubble around our person. There is a slight degree of intimacy, but usually this is
casual, close conversation that gives us slightly more space than the intimate space.
When we are seated in a crowded airplane, the tight quarters are uncomfortable for
most strangers next to us, yet close friends are welcomed into this physical space.

This is why we feel uneasy if others come too close or not close enough. Personal
space involves not only the invisible bubble around the body, but many of our senses as
well. People may feel shaken when they experience an unwelcome smell or even
someone leering in their direction.

3.Social Space

Most of our relationships fall into the social space, allowing a little extra distance
between them and us. Casual conversations, business discussion, or polite social
behavior happens in this space.

This is a critical area to design for with churches, as the built environment can directly
influence the number of connections in this realm. Acquaintances and colleagues are
most comfortable having conversation in the social space.

4.Public Space

Public space provides the greatest distance between people. This is a safe space
where we are free to decide who enters the next spaces, or who doesn’t. Our
neighbors, other shoppers, or fellow concertgoers are examples of how we interact in
public spaces.
The most important aspect of public space is that it gives us a way to share
experiences. Doing life together with other people satisfies a basic need for belonging
and community.