Visual Link Spanish Newsletter (V:1; I:39)

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Spanish Culture ----- Get a little closer!

This week we're going to discuss personal space. It may be something that you have not thought about very much, but after today, at least you'll know it exists. I'm not sure how it is in other parts of the world, (those of you from outside the US can inform me) but in the U.S. when people talk to each other at social gatherings they stand three to four feet apart. If you learn Spanish and plan to speak Spanish with natives this is very important to know.

It is very different in Latin America. People generally stand closer together when they talk to each other. This is true for both men and women, and the fact that they do this has no hidden or implied meaning at all. They simply stand closer together when they talk.

This took a little getting used to when I first went to live in Latin America. The first time it happened, I was standing by someone talking to them and they stood very close to me. I felt a little uncomfortable like they were invading my personal space. I took a step backwards and after a few seconds, they unconsciously took a step towards me, after a minute or so of discomfort, I again casually took a step backwards, and they eventually took another step towards me. I thought the person was either trying to send me a subtle message or was just a little bit different. I didn't realize that "personal space" was a cultural thing.

The fact that people would stand so close to me when they talked to me drove me crazy, but then I gradually got used to it after a month or two. Now, the personal space issue doesn't bother me at all because I am accustomed to it.

I wanted you to know this exists so if you travel to Latin America, for business or pleasure, and the person you are talking to stands closer to you than normal, you will know they aren't trying to send you any subtle message, they just stand closer together when they talk.

If any of you have had experiences with this, I would love to hear from you. Just e-mail me at: dave@spanishprograms.com .

Sneak peek at next week: We'll talk about the differences with time and being punctual. What to expect and how to avoid pitfalls and frustration.

To continue learning Spanish, click here for free Spanish lessons.

¡Qué les vaya bien! (I hope everything goes well for all of you!)


David S. Clark -- President
U.S. Institute of Languages
dave@spanishprograms.com
http://www.spanishprograms.com

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