Intercultural Communication
Norms of physical contact are dictated by culture. Americans tend to touch less and guard more closely their personal space than those from other cultures. Nearly all can recall a situation when another got too close for comfort. A subway train during rush hour is a perfect example where passengers at times must stand should to shoulder within a sea of people.
Touching is more common and accepted among family and friends. Social situations tend to be more 'touch friendly' as well. With the public at large, however, Americans are more distant and less likely to show emotion through physical contact. Many times when there is touching it is again, of a more distant manner, like a handshake or pat on the back.
Conversely, Latin American cultures regard physical contact as an integral aspect of communication. As an illustration, take the custom of cheek kissing during salutations and farewells. It is considered rude should this practice be absent from an encounter. In fact, this is one example that supports the widely held notion that Latin American cultures are warmer and more open than that of the United States.
Naturally, cheek kissing is practiced in the States just as handshakes take place in Latin America. Incidentally, the latter is largely a result of the Americanization of Hispanic cultures. Nevertheless, as a general rule, each custom is mainly witnessed in its respective culture.
Cross cultural misunderstanding can and does happen. For example, an American visiting a Latin country may, at first, feel intruded upon when natives begin kissing them at initial contact. The reverse is true when a Latin American, arriving to the States has a hand thrust at them during introductions. It is not uncommon for Latin Americans to declare Americans as reserved. However, the more time spent in a foreign culture allows one the ability to acclimate to the host country's customs. There may even come a time when one maneuvers easily between the two cultures.
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