Tahir, an Arab, and Jan, a Swede, meet at a dinner for international students. Because the cultures of the two men differ with regard to ________, both may feel uncomfortable during their conversation.
A) knowledge of a common eating etiquette
B) attitudes toward higher education
C) explicit laws
D) conversational distance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Conversational distance refers to the physical distance people feel comfortable maintaining while talking. Arab culture typically values closer proximity, while Swedish culture tends to prefer greater distance. Therefore, Tahir and Jan may feel uncomfortable during their conversation due to differing expectations regarding conversational distance.

Tahir, an Arab, and Jan, a Swede, Meet at a Dinner