PROXEMICS
The social use of space in a communication situation is called proxemics. One aspect of this is the closeness between people when they speak, and the significant rule that culture plays in this. Distance generally is described on a continuum from intimate space (zero–18 inches), personal space (18 inches–4 feet), social space (4–12 feet) and public space (beyond 12 feet).
Proxemics also deals with the effective use of space in social settings, such as businesses and homes, and the arrangement of space to encourage or inhibit communication.