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THE NETHERLANDS
PROXEMICS KINESICS
Personal Space: The Dutch generally Thumb Sucking Gesture
value their personal space and prefer to (Duimzuigerij)
maintain a distance of about 1.5 to 2 Closing the four fingers tightly on the
feet (approximately 0.5 to 0.6 meters) palm while sucking the thumb indicates
during conversations. This distance that someone has told a lie or made up
allows for comfortable interaction while a ridiculous story.
respecting personal boundaries. It can also mean that a fantasy-filled
story was told within earshot that is
clearly untrue
Public Space: In public settings, such Elbow Gesture (Achter de ellebogen)
as cafes or public transportation, the Placing the hand behind the elbow
Dutch typically maintain a respectful means "I don't care" or "I'm not
distance from others. This behavior interested"
reflects a cultural emphasis on
individualism and personal space.
Direct Communication Style: The Nose Pinching Gesture (Bah Vies!)
Dutch are known for their direct Pinching the nose with the thumb and
communication style, which can forefinger while wrinkling the face
sometimes be perceived as bluntness. muscles and tightening the eyes
This directness is often accompanied by expresses disgust or revulsion at a foul
a preference for maintaining a respectful odor or repulsive sight. It conveys the
distance, especially in initial meetings or sentiment "That's gross!" or "How
interactions with acquaintances. disgusting!"
Some Dutch may also exclaim "Bah!" or
"Pffluh!" along with this gesture.
Social Context: In more informal Stingy Gesture (Betalen)
settings, such as among friends and There is a saying that the Dutch have
family, the distance may decrease "short pockets and long arms", implying
slightly, allowing for light touching or they are masters at cutting costs and
closer proximity. However, even in these living on a tight budget.
contexts, the Dutch tend to avoid
excessive physical contact compared to
cultures that are more tactile.
Cultural Sensitivity: The concept of
personal space can vary among
individuals based on their backgrounds
and experiences. While the general
tendency is to value personal space,
some may be more comfortable with
closer interactions depending on their
cultural influences.
SPAIN
PROXEMICS KINESICS
Close Proximity: Spaniards tend to Close Proximity
stand closer together during Spaniards typically stand closer
conversations compared to many together during conversations
Northern European cultures. The typical compared to many other cultures. The
distance for casual interactions is preferred distance can be around 1 to 2
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about 1 to 2 feet (approximately 30 to feet (30 to 60 cm), reflecting a more
60 cm). This close proximity allows for intimate style of communication.
more intimate and engaging
communication.
Gestures and Body Language: Expressive Gestures
Proxemics in Spain is often Hand gestures are commonly used to
accompanied by expressive gestures emphasize points during conversations.
and body language. Spaniards may use Spaniards may use a variety of
their hands frequently while speaking, gestures, often accompanying their
which can further reduce the perceived speech with animated movements.
need for personal space. This Common gestures include waving with
expressiveness is a significant part of an open hand to say hello or goodbye
their communication style. and using hands to illustrate points
being made.
Social Context: In social settings, such Eye Contact
as cafes or gatherings, physical Maintaining direct eye contact is
closeness is common, reflecting a important in Spanish communication. It
communal atmosphere. Friends and conveys interest and attentiveness.
family may engage in light touching or Avoiding eye contact can be seen as
hugging, showcasing a comfort with disrespectful or disinterested.
proximity that reinforces social bonds.
Direct Eye Contact: Direct eye contact Physical Touch
is expected during conversations in Physical contact is prevalent in Spanish
Spain, indicating attentiveness and culture. Greetings often involve kisses
engagement. This practice on the cheeks (typically two) among
complements the close physical friends and family, and light touches on
distance and enhances interpersonal the arm or back during conversation are
connection. common. Men may also hug each other
as a form of greeting, indicating warmth
and camaraderie.
Cultural Variations: While these Volume and Emotion
proxemic norms are generally Conversations in Spain are often loud
applicable across Spain, regional and expressive, with participants
differences may exist. For example, frequently interrupting each other out of
people from southern regions might excitement rather than rudeness. This
exhibit even closer proximity compared high volume is a normal part of
to those from the north. interaction and reflects engagement
rather than anger.
Gestures with Specific Meanings
Certain gestures carry specific
meanings, such as the "thumbs up" for
approval or the "shushing" gesture for
quieting someone. Pointing directly at
someone with an index finger is
considered rude; instead, it is better to
gesture towards them with an open
hand.
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SPAIN
DO’s DON’Ts
Embrace Close Proximity: Spaniards Don’t Maintain Too Much Distance:
typically stand closer together during Keeping an excessive distance (more
conversations, often within 1 to 2 than 2 feet) can be perceived as cold or
feet (30 to 60 cm). Feel comfortable disinterested. Avoid standing too far
reducing personal space when away when speaking with someone.
interacting, as this reflects warmth and
engagement.
Use Expressive Gestures: Incorporate Avoid Being Reserved: Spaniards
hand gestures into your communication. appreciate expressiveness; being overly
Spaniards often use animated body reserved or stoic may lead to
language to emphasize their points, so misunderstandings. Engage actively
feel free to be expressive with your with your body language.
hands while speaking.
Maintain Eye Contact: Direct eye Don’t Overlook the Importance of
contact is important in Spanish culture. Gestures: Failing to incorporate
It conveys interest and attentiveness, so gestures may hinder effective
make sure to maintain eye contact communication, as gestures play a
during conversations to show you are crucial role in conveying emotions and
engaged. intentions in Spain.
Be Open to Physical Touch: Light Avoid Touching Strangers
physical contact, such as a gentle touch Excessively: While light touches
on the arm or shoulder, is common among friends are acceptable, be
among friends and acquaintances. This cautious about touching strangers or
behavior signifies friendliness and acquaintances unless you gauge their
connection. comfort level first.
Adapt to Social Contexts: In social Don’t Ignore Cultural Norms Around
settings, such as bars or restaurants, Greetings: Familiar greetings often
proximity may be closer than in formal involve kisses on the cheeks among
situations. Adjust your distance based friends and family. Be mindful of this
on the context and the relationship you practice when meeting new people.
have with the person.
Respond to Non-Verbal Cues: Pay Don’t Be Loud in Public Spaces
attention to the non-verbal signals from Without Context: While
others, as they are significant in expressiveness is valued, being
Spanish communication. Being excessively loud without context (e.g.,
receptive to these cues can enhance during a serious conversation) can be
your interactions. seen as disruptive or inappropriate.
THE NETHERLANDS
DO’s DON’Ts
Respect Personal Space: Dutch Don't Invade Personal Space: Avoid
people generally value their personal standing too close to strangers or
space. Maintain a distance of about 1.5 acquaintances. Keeping a respectful
to 2 feet (approximately 0.5 to 0.6 distance is important in Dutch culture.
meters) during conversations,
especially with acquaintances or in
formal settings.
Use Direct Eye Contact: Holding eye Avoid Being Overly Expressive:
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contact is important in Dutch culture as Dutch people tend to be less expressive
it demonstrates sincerity and with their body language compared to
engagement. However, it's also some other cultures. Avoid using
common to occasionally divert your excessive gestures or touching during
gaze to create a comfortable conversations.
atmosphere.
Be Mindful of Physical Contact: While Don't Maintain Too Much Distance:
light touching among friends and family While respecting personal space is
is acceptable, avoid excessive physical important, keeping an excessive
contact with strangers or distance (more than 2 feet) can be
acquaintances. A handshake is the perceived as cold or disinterested.
typical greeting in formal situations. Adjust your distance based on the
social context.
Observe Social Context: In social Avoid Touching Strangers
settings, such as cafes or gatherings, Excessively: Light touches among
it's acceptable to be closer to friends friends are acceptable, but be cautious
and family. Adjust your proximity based about touching strangers or
on the context and the relationship you acquaintances unless you gauge their
have with the person. comfort level first.
Ask for Permission: If you need to Don't Ignore Cultural Norms Around
enter someone's personal space or sit Greetings: In the Netherlands, a
close to them, it's polite to ask for handshake is the typical greeting,
permission first. This shows respect for especially in formal situations. Be
their comfort and boundaries. mindful of this practice when meeting
new people
Adapt to Regional Differences: Be
aware that proxemic norms can vary
within different regions of the
Netherlands. People from urban areas
may have different expectations
compared to those from rural regions.