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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART A: INTRODUCTION 1

I. Rationale 1

II. Aims of the study 2

III. Scope of the study 2

IV. Methodology 3

V. Design of the study 3

PART B: DEVELOPMENT 4

Chapter 1: Literature review 4

1. What is communication? 4

1.1 Definition of communication 4

1.2 Types of communication 5

2. What is nonverbal communication? 7

2.1 Definition of nonverbal communication 7

2.2 Significance of nonverbal communication 9

2.3 Main categories of nonverbal communication 11

Chapter 2: Conversational distance as nonverbal communication 14

1. Definition of conversational distances 14

2. Classification of conversational distances 15

2.1 Intimate distance 15

2.2 Personal distance 17

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2.3 Social distance 18

2.4 Public distance 19

3. Factors effecting conversational distances 19

3.1 High - low contact culture 20

3.2 Gender 20

3.3 Relationship 21

3.4 Age 21

3.5 Population density 22

3.6 Intended message 23

Chapter 3: Data analysis and discussion 24

1. Methodology 24

1.1 Participants 24

1.2 Instruments 24

1.3 Procedures of data collection 24

2. Data analysis and findings 26

2.1 Use of conversational distance as seen from communicative partner’s role relationship 26

2.2 Use of conversational distance as seen from informants’ parameters 32

PART C: CONCLUSION 36

I. Summary of main findings: 36

II. Implications for avoidance of culture shock and cross-cultural communication breakdown 36

III. Suggestion for further study 37