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1 案例指引
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2 互动问答
Case 1 Personal Space
Markhad moved from Denmark to Sydney. One day, at an evening party, a ladyapproached him, Mark showed his interest to talk with her. At first, theconversation went smoothly, but as it progressed, the lady seemed to step further and further away from Mark as he had been gradually moving closer toher. The lady obviously looked uncomfortable. As Mark was about to ask her more questions, she excused herself and went away to talk with others, leaving Markstanding alone and wondering why the talk had come to a sudden stop.
Case Analysis
The misunderstanding is caused by different perceptions about body distance.Because body distance varies with different people, different circumstances anddifferent cultures. In Denmark, theintimate space is usually 20-30cm, while such an occasion inAustralia requires 40-50cm. The Dane is accustomed to a closedistance while the Australian lady is comfortable with a great distance. That is why problem arises.
40-50cm
20-30 cm
Case Study ： Is he gentleman-like?
Xiaomei, a summer student from China, isstudying in the University of Nottingham. One day when she was visiting Newstead Abbey, she came across a Britishman at a narrow stair. The stair is very narrow and only allows one person togo comfortably. If two persons walk on it simultaneously, they can not avoidhustling. Xiaomei was at the footstep and about togo upstairs while that man was about to go downstairs. Xiaomei stepped on the stair afterthinking twice, and the man stood at the other side waiting for her to pass.She was impressed by the man’s gentility, and said “thank you” while passinghim. After coming back from the visiting, she told this to her British teacheras an impressive experience. But to her surprise, her teacher just smiled andsaid nothing. Xiaomei was confused, and then sheremembered the strange expression on the man when she looked up. Is hegentleman-like or not?
