12. Nonverbal Rules. Choose a cultural space that you are interested in studying.

Visit this space on four occasions to observe how people there interact.

Focus on one aspect of nonverbal communication (e.g., eye contact or proximity). List some rules that seem to govern this aspect of nonverbal communication. For example, if you are focusing on proximity, you might describe, among other things, how far apart people tend to stand when conversing. Based on your observations, list some prescriptions about proper (expected) nonverbal behavior in this cultural space. Share your conclusions with the class. To what extent do other students share your conclusions? Can we generalize about nonverbal rules in cultural spaces?

What factors infl uence whether an individual follows unspoken rules of behavior?