February 12, 2022: Week 06 Response to “Personal Space Differences”

 February 12, 2022:  Week 06 Response to “Personal Space Differences”

   

                As a person and a Filipino, I value space privacy very much, my bedroom is the most important place because I can do a lot of things such as working and resting without being disturbed not only that, even in my workplace, I have my own classroom and I don’t usually go around that much in order to mingle maybe I was kinda reserved that is why people are shy to come near me unless it is work-related. I see Zimbabweans mingling with each other, they are very cool and they don’t mind sharing spaces.

                In my home city in the Philippines, we have a jeepney under the nameplate “Downtown” that has a route of passing to malls, markets, churches, parks, and other areas where the common people myself included ride on it for a few coins. It can accommodate 10 to 12 passengers before the pandemic struck. But maybe now it has changed due to the social distancing protocol. At times, when passengers come with children, as a way of goodwill, kids are offered to sit on the lap of the lady passengers who came first. There are also times that men would give way and hang at the rear part of the vehicle. But Downtown jeepneys are plenty which means passengers can choose. It is rare that these jeepneys are full except during festivities or holidays where people are out of their houses. When I came to Mozambique, we were lucky to have someone to help us during travels using her car but later on, we have tried riding on a "chapa" which is a van, a counterpart of our Downtown jeepney but to my surprise, they pack all the people inside with the exaggeration of occupying all the spaces. What shocked me was when the people are standing near the door and for it to close, the barker or the driver’s assistant would push the butts of those who are standing just to fit in. Was it a reflection of personal space culture? Or merely out of poverty? Many Mozambicans are also well off, they have cars and really good cars. People like them do not need their butts to be pushed in so a chapa door can be closed.

        People from different countries have their own perspectives or culture when it comes to personal space. German’s space is sacred, and it gives them stress when they need to share space with others. I think I am German as well. Just kidding! For me, the concept of sharing food is fine but when it comes to space, even the space is just small as long as it is mine, it gives me peace and privacy. Mexico on the other hand doesn’t mind when they pack like sardines on buses.  American’s personal possession is an extension of themselves, using their stuff is a violation unless there is an agreement or contract for lease. Americans don’t care if they are overheard while English does care about the loudness of voice. For Great Britain, being loud is a sign of bad manners. How do we adjust ourselves? We should always observe how people act and react. As an ESL Teacher, I need to make sure that my students follow such ground rules of minding their own things, organizing their own things, and having their own space to protect their own personal privacy and space.

Can you name a country where you travel? Identify what behavior did you observe that manifests their regard for personal space.