LINGUISTIC STYLES AS INDICES FOR INTERPERSONAL DISTANCE.

Two experiments were conducted to examine whether linguistic style affected subjects' estimations of interpersonal distance. In accordance with Hall, it was proposed that distinct linguistic styles would produce differential estimates of interpersonal distance and involvement between interactors. Subjects confirmed this proposal in Experiment I. In Experiment II the finding was replicated, and it was further shown that content of interaction was less influential than linguistic style. It is suggested that some sort of grammar for distance best accounts for the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]