May 30, 2020 Week 6: Response to Personal Space Differences

Space, everyone needs personal space! But how do different cultures define the space needed by a person? Let us see how personal space is determined according to circumstance, culture, and religion of an individual.

CIRCUMSTANCE

It was stated from our personal space reading assignment that each person has a portable personal space bubble. This bubble adjusts depending on the crowd or his circumstance. For example, compared to men, women talk a bit closer to each other. Another example is the situation we have because of the pandemic. No matter how close kins are, still, social distancing must be strictly observed. 

CULTURE

Courtship in the olden days has restrictions. My grandmother told me that it was in our Filipino culture that no matter how romantic your relationship is, it was forbidden to hold the lady's hand. Once a guy held a maiden's hand, he will then be obliged to marry her. It was considered immoral when a guy touches a lady's hand outside marriage. Some studies also proved that South Americans are not particular with personal space compared to Asians. Even in Arab countries, both foreigners and locals respect personal space. A big no to the public display of affection.

RELIGION

There is an article published in https://www.pri.org/people/iran-globalpost-correspondent saying, "Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, women have been prohibited from baring skin in public. Men and women are segregated in many places. There are different lines for airport security, and entrance to universities. Men and women have different reading rooms at the library. They pray separately in mosques and ride on separated sections of buses and metros. Even weddings are separate affairs, with women in one room and men in the other." The Islam religion determines the personal space between men and women. They religiously follow these laws to avoid charges and to preserve their women's right to personal space.

ESL CLASSROOM

Maintaining proper social spacing for students and teachers is crucial. Teachers should keep a friendly yet respectful ambiance in their classes. To do these, teachers should study the basic cultural background of foreign students. The more they are aware, the better they could give just attributions.