Articles Archive for 8 May 2009
Cultural Differences, Defining Root Problems, The Face of America »
There is a piece of fancy footwork known as the “diplomatic shuffle” to Americans who work overseas. It refers to the fact that in many countries, the circles of personal space that people are comfortable with are much smaller. For example, when someone from an Asian country speaks to an American, they often stand closer to the American than the American is comfortable with. This causes the American to shuffle backwards. The Asian then shuffles forwards, to maintain the circle of personal space that they are comfortable with. The American, personal space violated, shuffles backwards again. This continues until the American’s back hits a wall and s/he begins to perspire with discomfort. Click above to read full article….
