(Luận văn thạc sĩ) a study on english vietnamese cross cultural communication in table seating arrangements

i

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI
UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
FACULTY OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES
-----***-----

TRẦN THỊ THANH HUYỀN

A STUDY ON ENGLISH – VIETNAMESE CROSSCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN TABLE SEATING
ARRANGEMENTS
(NGHIÊN CỨU GIAO TIẾP GIAO VĂN HÓA ANH –
VIỆT TRONG CÁC CÁCH SẮP XẾP CHỖ NGỒI)

Minor thesis

Field: English Linguistics
Code: 60 22 15


ii

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI
UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
FACULTY OF POST- GRADUATE STUDIES
-----***-----

TRẦN THỊ THANH HUYỀN

A STUDY ON ENGLISH – VIETNAMESE CROSSCULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN TABLE SEATING
ARRANGEMENTS

(NGHIÊN CỨU GIAO TIẾP GIAO VĂN HÓA ANH –
VIỆT TRONG CÁC CÁCH SẮP XẾP CHỖ NGỒI)

Minor thesis

Field: English Linguistics
Code: 60 22 15
Supervisor: Prof. Nguyễn Quang, Ph.D.

HANOI - 2010


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Table of contents
CERTIFICATE OF the ORIGINALITY OF STUDY PROJECT REPORT ................. iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................... iv
Abstract ............................................................................................................................ v
Lists of tables and figures ............................................................................... vi
Table of contents ..................................................................................................... vii
Part i: introduction................................................................................................. 1
1.

Rationale ........................................................................................................................ 1

2.

Aims of the study ........................................................................................................... 2

3.

Scope of the study .......................................................................................................... 2

4.

Methodology .................................................................................................................. 3

5.

Description of the questionnaire ................................................................................... 3

6.

Description of the informants ....................................................................................... 4

7.

Design of the study ........................................................................................................ 5

Part II: Development................................................................................................. 6
CHAPTER 1: THEORETICAL BACKROUND ................................................................ 6
1.1. What communication? ........................................................................................... 6
1.2. What non-verbal communication? ........................................................................ 8
1.3. What table seating arrangement? .......................................................................... 8
CHAPTER 2: SEATING ARRANGEMENT AS NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION10
2.1. Table shapes ...........................................................................................................10
2.1.1. Square tables ...................................................................................................10
2.1.2. Round tables ....................................................................................................12
2.1.3. Rectangular tables ...........................................................................................14
2.2. Table seating positions ..........................................................................................16

2.2.1. Corner position ................................................................................................17
2.2.2. Cooperative position ........................................................................................18
2.2.3. Competitive – Defensive position......................................................................19


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2.2.4. Independent position ........................................................................................20
2.3. Seating arrangements ............................................................................................21
2.3.1. Desk-row..........................................................................................................22
2.3.2. Cluster .............................................................................................................24
2.3.3. Circle or semi-circle.........................................................................................25
2.3.4. Table-row.........................................................................................................26
2.3.5. Pairs ................................................................................................................27
2.3.6. Activity zones ...................................................................................................29
CHAPTER 3: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION .................................................................30
3.1. Data analysis ..........................................................................................................30
3.1.1. Use of table shapes...........................................................................................30
3.1.2. Use of table seating positions ...........................................................................30
3.1.3. Frequency of using seating arrangements ........................................................36
3.2. Major similarities and differences ........................................................................38
PART III: CONCLUSION................................................................................................42
1. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................42
2. Suggestions for further study ..........................................................................................43
References.......................................................................................................................44
Appendices......................................................................................................................... I


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Lists of tables and figures
Figure 1 – Nguyen Quang’s diagram of communication components (2008) .......................... 7
Figure 2 – Square table ......................................................................................................... 11
Figure 3 – Round table ......................................................................................................... 13
Figure 4 – Positioning at a rectangular table ......................................................................... 15
Figure 5 – Seating positions.................................................................................................. 17
Table 1-1: Use of table shapes in the office in Vietnam and English-speaking countries ...... 30
Table 2-1: Use of seating positions in different settings ........................................................ 31
Table 2-2: Use of seating positions in different situations by Vietnamese informants ............ 34
Table 2-3: Use of seating positions in different situations by Anglophone informants ........... 35
Table 3-1: Frequency of seating arrangements used in class in Vietnam ............................... 37
Table 3-2: Frequency of seating arrangements used in class in English-speaking countries ... 38


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Part i: introduction
1. Rationale
Language is the basic form of communication between human beings and in a society.
As it is the basic form, it is also the most developed. We cannot communicate in any real sense
without language, other than through gestures. However, we do communicate through some
non-verbal forms called non-verbal communication including gestures, postures, facial
expressions, touching behavior, etc. Non-verbal communication occupies up to 90 percent of
our message and therefore plays an important role in our life. But it is observed that there are
non-verbal differences across cultures that may be the source of confusion for foreigners.
Thus, it is essential that the study of non-verbal communication be paid more attention to.
It is clear that where people seat others or where they sit on their own can affect the
outcome of a communication encounter. There is a "seating" language. People can create the
illusion of power or equality in their relationship-building efforts by where they sit and where
they seat others at meetings, conferences and after-hours events. Also, aspects of people‟s

attitude towards others can be revealed in the position they take in relation to each other.
Indeed, the environment may have an effect on the position chosen. Apparently,
seating positions in the public bar of a hotel can vary from the seating positions taken in a
high-class restaurant and different seating behaviors can be observed. For instance, intimate
couples prefer to sit side-by-side wherever possible, but in a crowded restaurant where the
tables are close together, this is not possible and the couples are forced to sit opposite each
other in what is normally a defensive position. Hence, everyone should be aware of the
meaning of different positions to act in a proper way.
Moreover, the way teachers organize tables and seats in their class also has influence
on the effectiveness of the lesson, especially in language classroom. It is necessary for native
language teachers as well as Vietnamese ones to be well aware of that so as to take the best
advantage of class seating arrangements.


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For the above reasons, ‘A Study on English – Vietnamese Cross-Cultural
Communication in Table Seating Arrangements’ is worth considering. With an effort to raise
the awareness of people in general and of teachers in particular of „something around the
table‟, this area of non-verbal communication is chosen as the topic of the author‟s study.
2.

Aims of the study
The research is conducted:



To study different types table shapes;



To identify the meanings of basic table seating positions;



To investigate suitable seating arrangements used in classroom;



To compare and contrast the use of different types of seating positions in various
situations of the two cultures for the discovery of the similarities and differences in the
ways English and Vietnamese people seat others and sit themselves.

3. Scope of the study
In this study, three basic types of table shapes which are square, round and rectangular
are mentioned, but the survey will be narrowed down to table shapes in the office setting only.
Four kinds of seating positions including corner, cooperative, competitive-defensive
and independent are identified in this study. As the findings will be limited if attention is paid
only to academic and office settings, public setting is thus included in this part.
Seating arrangements vary greatly in the classroom. That is the reason why the author
only focuses on the statistics of how teachers seat their students and tables in learning
environment.
As age and gender of the informants do not contribute significantly in the data
analysis, the author decides to ignore them and focuses only on the informants‟ nationality and
occupation.


3

4.

Methodology
In order to achieve the aims set above, the major method to be employed is

quantitative. In addition, contrastive analysis is also used. All the considerations, comments
and conclusions in the thesis are largely based on the following methods:


Reference to publications



Survey questionnaires



Statistics, descriptions and analysis of data



Consultations with supervisor



Personal observations



Discussions with Vietnamese and foreign colleagues

5. Description of the questionnaire
The survey questionnaire consists of 4 questions in which the informants are requested
to tick (√) to the table shapes, seating positions and seating arrangements they think
appropriate. The 4 questions cover three aspects of the study: question 1 - table shapes,
questions 2 and 3 - seating positions and question 4 - seating arrangements. The questionnaire
has two versions, one in English for the English native informants and the other in Vietnamese
for the Vietnamese informants.
In the first question, the informants are asked to tick (√) to the type(s) of table that
is/are the most commonly used in the office.
Among the four most common seating positions including corner, cooperative,
competitive – defensive and independent positions, the informants are asked to tick (√) to the
most widely used in different settings (academic setting, office setting and public setting).
They are also requested to choose appropriate seating positions in different situations. The
situations are as follows:


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Situation 1: When you interview Lee
Situation 2: When you persuade Lee
Situation 3: When you discuss with Lee
Situation 4: When you shout at Lee
Situation 5: When Lee is your boss and you are presenting to him
Situation 6: When you confide in Lee
Situation 7: When you do not know Lee
Situation 8: When you do not wish to contact with Lee
Situation 9: When Lee is angry with you and you want to make it up with him
Situation 10: When you want to get acquainted with Lee
(Supposing that Lee is the person you are talking with and he is taking a permanent seat)
In the last question, the informants are asked about the frequency of seating

arrangements used in class in their countries. Types of seating arrangements consist of deskrow, clusters, circle/ semi-circle, table-row, pairs and activity zones.
Because of its limitations, the thesis should only be regarded as a preliminary study
and the result is believed to be tentative and suggestive.
6. Description of the informants
In this study, the survey questionnaires are administered to two groups of informants.
The first group is the Vietnamese who are living in Hanoi, Vietnam. 60 questionnaires are
delivered to them and 50 of the completed questionnaires are chosen for analysis. The second


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group is English native speakers who are living and working in Vietnam as well as some
English-speaking countries such as the US, Australia, England and Canada. 50 questionnaires
are delivered to them directly or via e-mails, and then 50 completed ones are received.
Only teachers, students and staff officers are chosen as informants because the study
mostly confines itself to academic and office settings.
7. Design of the study
This study consists of three main parts:
PART I: INTRODUCTION
All the academic routines required for an M.A thesis are presented.
PART II: DEVELOPMENT
This is the focus of the study and is composed of three chapters.
Chapter 1: Theoretical background
Chapter 2: Seating arrangement as non-verbal communication
Chapter 3: Findings and discussion
PART III: CONCLUSION


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Part II: Development
CHAPTER 1: THEORETICAL BACKROUND
1.1. What communication?
There have been a great number of studies on communication in which scholars hold
different points of view. They have given various conceptualisations of this term. The
definitions therefore have different emphases and factors.
With emphasis on both the speaker and the hearer, Alder & Rodman (1998) believe
that „communication refers to the process of man being responding to the face-to-face
symbolic behavior of other persons’.
In Levine and Andelman‟s words (1982), communication is considered as „the process
of sharing meaning through verbal and non-verbal behavior’.
According to Saville-Troike (1986), „communication is also considered the process of
sharing or exchanging information between people both verbally and non-verbally’. In this
definition, the author much more focuses on the message conveyed.
Rudolph, F.Verderber (1993) holds similar view when defining communication as „the
transactional process of creating meaning’ and he explains that ‘a transactional process is
one in which those persons communicating are mutually responsible for what occurs’.
However, Hybels and Weaver (1992) have a different identification of communication.
They believe that ‘communication is any process in which people share information, ideas and
feelings that involve not only the spoken and written words but also body language, personal
mannerisms and style, the surrounding and things that add meaning to a message’. This
definition is perhaps the most comprehensive as it includes not only co-interactants involved,
but also information, ideas, feelings conveyed, and channels, codes used.


7

Nguyen Quang (2008) suggests the following components of verbal and non-verbal
communication:
COMMUNICATION

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Intralanguage

- Lexicon
- Rules of grammar
- Rules of phonetics
- Rules of language use
and interaction skills

Body language/ Kinesics

- Eye contact
- Facial expressions
- Gestures
- Postures
- Touch/ Haptics/ Tactile

Paralanguage

Extralanguage

- Vocal characteristics
+ Pitch
+ Volume
+ Rate
- Types of vocal quality

- Vocal interferences
- Silence
- ...

Object language

- Clothing
- Jewellery
- Accessories
- Make-up
- Artificial scents
- Flowers
- Gifts

Environmental language

- Setting
- Conversational distances/
Proxemics
- Time/ Chronemics
- Lighting system
- Color
- Heat
-…

Figure 1 – Nguyen Quang’s diagram of communication components (2008)


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1.2. What non-verbal communication?
Researchers are more and more concerned with the social message sent by
communication that is, to various degrees, independent of and different from the verbal
message; that is the non-verbal message. Verbal communication is organized by language,
non-verbal communication is not.
Communication is the transfer of information from one person to another. Most of us
spend about 75 percent of our waking hours communicating our knowledge, thoughts, and
ideas to others. However, most of us fail to realize that a great deal of our communication is of
a non-verbal form as opposed to the oral and written forms. Non-verbal communication
includes facial expressions, eye contact, tone of voice, body posture and motions, and
positioning within groups. It may also include the way we wear our clothes or the silence we
keep.
Non-verbal communication is usually understood as the process of communication
through sending and receiving wordless messages. Non-verbal communication can be
communicated through gestures and touch, by body language or posture, by facial expression
and eye contact. Non-verbal communication can be communicated through object
communication such as clothing, hairstyles or even architecture and symbols. Speech contains
non-verbal elements known as paralanguage, including voice quality, emotion and speaking
style, as well as prosodic features such as rhythm, intonation and stress. Dance is also regarded
as non-verbal communication. Likewise, written texts have non-verbal elements such as
handwriting style, spatial arrangement of words, or the use of emoticons.
1.3. What table seating arrangement?
Arrangement is defined as the act or process of arranging. Table seating arrangement
can be understood as the act or process of arranging seats around the table. In the very first
part, the author has given out the term „seating language‟. There is no doubt that the seat a


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person chooses to take and how he arranges other people also reveal his attitude and

implication.
As considered a kind of environmental language which is setting, table seating
arrangement can communicate. It includes the types of table we choose, the way we sit and the
way we arrange others‟ seats.


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CHAPTER 2: SEATING ARRANGEMENT AS NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
2.1. Table shapes
Types of table shape are various. Square, round and rectangular ones are widely used
in everyday life. In addition, there are some special shapes such as triangle, oval, semicircle or
crescent tables.
The main focus of this study is on the three most typical types of table shapes: Square,
Round and Rectangular.

Round Table

Square Table

Rectangular Table
2.1.1. Square tables
Square tables create a competitive or defensive relationship between people of equal
status. Square tables are ideal for short, to-the-point conversation or a superior/subordinate
relationship. People sitting around this kind of table share the same amount of table territory.
Each occupies a quarter of the table. The following figure shows this equal occupation.


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A

B

D

C

Figure 2 – Square table
( />The most cooperation usually comes from the person seated beside you and the one on
the right tends to be more cooperative than the one on the left. The most resistance usually
comes from the person seated directly opposite. For example, in figure 2, there are four people
A, B, C and D sitting at the table. For A, B is the most cooperative and C is the most resistant.
Here are some more square tables in real life.

()

()

()


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()

()

2.1.2. Round tables
In the past, King Arthur used

the round table as an attempt to give
each of his knights an equal amount
of authority and status. A round table
creates an atmosphere of relaxed
informality. Therefore, it is ideal for
promoting discussion among people
who are of equal status as each
person can claim the same amount of
table territory. Removing the table
and sitting in a circle also promotes
the same result. (Figure 3)

()


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Figure 3 – Round table
( )
The round table, often a coffee table with wrap-around seating, is used to create an
informal relaxed atmosphere or to persuade. Fun, friendship and trying something new and
exciting, that is what round table is all about. From sports to arts and nights out at restaurants
to family social events, round table prides itself on giving its members the chance to embrace
life to the full.

( )

( )

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( )
Many of today‟s business executives use both square and round tables. Indeed, there
are many benefits to becoming a round table. Taking part in debate and organizing functions
and events will build leadership skills and give you public speaking abilities. Being a member
of round table can help you enhance your personal strengths.

( )

()

2.1.3. Rectangular tables
Unlike square and round tables, people sitting at rectangular tables occupy different
amount of table territory, as there are different parts of the table that people can own. For
example, the person who sits at the top of the table will own different part in comparison with


15

the people who sit at the two sides of the table. Therefore, rectangular tables are often used for
people of unequal status.
A

B

C

D

E

Figure 4 – Positioning at a rectangular table
( />On a rectangular table, position A has always commanded the most influence. In figure
4, assuming that A does not have his back to the door, he will have the most influence. If A‟s
back were facing to the door, the person seated at B would be the most influential and would
be strong competition for A. Assuming that A is in the best power position, person B has the
next most authority, then C, then D.

( )
This information makes it possible to
structure power plays at meetings by placing name
badges on the seats where you want each person to
sit so that you may have the maximum influence
over them.

()


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Apart from three most common table types which are discussed above, some other
kinds of table shapes can be observed:

()

()
2.2. Table seating positions
Strategic positioning in relation to other people is an effective way to obtain cooperation from them. Aspects of their attitude toward you can be revealed in the
position they take in relation to you.

Mark Knapp, in his book Non-Verbal Communication in Human Interaction, noted
that, although there is a general formula for interpretation of seating positions, the
environment may have an effect on the position chosen.


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It is widely accepted that seating arrangement is also a kind of non-verbal
communication in human interaction. A person's seating positions in relation to other people
can reveal his or her attitudes towards them. Because of a wide range of circumstances, the
following examples primarily relate to seating arrangements in an office environment with a
standard rectangular desk.
Supposing that person A takes a permanent seat, then person B can take four basic
seating positions in relation to person A (Figure 5).

Figure 5 – Seating positions
( />Four seating positions of person B carry different messages that B wants to send to A.
Followings are the names of these positions:
B1: The corner position
B2: The cooperative position
B3: The competitive-defensive position
B4: The independent position
2.2.1. Corner position
The Corner Position (B1) creates a relaxed atmosphere.

( />

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The first reason is that this position allows unlimited eye contact and the opportunity to

use numerous gestures and to observe the gestures of the other person. Moreover, the corner of
the desk provides a partial barrier should one person begin to feel threatened, and this position
avoids a territorial division on the top of the table. This position, therefore, is normally used
by people who are engaged in friendly, casual conversations. What is more, the most
successful strategic position from which a salesperson can deliver a presentation to a new
customer is by position B1 assuming A is the buyer. By simply moving the chair to position
B1 he can relieve a tense atmosphere and increase the chances of a favorable negotiation.

( )
2.2.2. Cooperative position
The Cooperative Position (B2) can create the feeling of a cooperative atmosphere.

( />Because A and B sit on the same side of the table, there is no barrier between them.
When two people are mutually oriented, that is, both think alike or work on a task together,
this position usually occurs. It is one of the most strategic positions for presenting a case and
having it accepted. The trick is, however, for B to be able to take this position without A


19

feeling as though his territory has been invaded. This is also a highly successful position to
take when a third party is introduced into the negotiation by B, the salesperson. Say, for
example, when a salesperson was having a second interview with a client and the salesperson
introduced a technical expert. The following strategy would be most suitable:

( />The technical expert is seated at position C opposite customer A. The salesperson can
sit either at position B2 (cooperative) or B1 (corner). This allows the salesperson to be “on the
client's side” and to question the technician on behalf of the client. This position is often
known as “siding with the opposition.”
2.2.3. Competitive – Defensive position

As its name reveals, the Competitive-Defensive Position (B3) or sitting across the table
from a person can create a defensive, competitive atmosphere and can lead to each party
taking a firm stand on his point of view because the table becomes a solid barrier between
both parties.

( />

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Moreover, direct eye contact makes them difficult to hide
their feelings. This position is taken by people who are either
competing with each other or if one is reprimanding the other. It
can also establish that a superior/subordinate role exists when it
is used in A's office.
( )
Whenever people sit directly opposite each
other across a table, they unconsciously divide it
into two equal territories. Each claims half as his
own territory and will reject the other's encroaching
upon it. If B is seeking to persuade A, the
competitive-defensive position reduces the chance
( )

of a successful negotiation.

Whatever line of business one is in, if it
involves dealing with people, he is in the influencing
business and his objective should always be to see
the other person‟s point of view, to put her at ease
and make her feel right about dealing with him, the

competitive position does not lead towards this end.
This competitive seating position, therefore,

( )
should be avoided in any negotiations or discussions, especially in a doctor‟s office as it may
cause the patient‟s unpleasant feelings. Another position such as corner position is
recommended.
2.2.4. Independent position
The final basic seating position that B can take is the Independent Position (B4).