| 释义 |
public distance, n.
Brit. |ˌpʌblɪk ˈdɪst(ə)ns|, U.S. |ˌpəblɪk ˈdɪstəns|
[‹ public adj. + distance n. Compare earlier social distance n.]
1. In the study of proxemics: the physical distance maintained between an individual and others in certain formal or professional contexts such as public speaking or performance, typically defined as greater than 12 feet (approx. 3.7 metres). Cf. social distance n. 2.
In quot. 1959 referring to the distance between individuals engaging in a conversation which may be heard by others.
1959E. T. Hall Silent Lang. 209 Very close (3 in. to 6 in.) Soft whisper; top secret... Public distance (5½ ft. to 8 ft.) Full voice with slight overloudness; public information for others to hear. 1964E. T. Hall in R. Gutmam People & Buildings (1972) ix. 147 Close Phase: Public Distance. In this phase of public distance (12 to 25 feet) participants cannot touch or pass objects to each other... The voice is loud but not full volume... The far phase of public distance begins somewhere around 30 feet. 1975R. Walker & C. Adelman Guide to Classroom Observ. (1992) 77 If the question or answer itself is stated at ‘public’ distance (i.e. over 12 feet) then, especially in a more physically active classroom, the question becomes part of the noise. 2003R. Scollon & S. W. Scollon Disc. in Places iii. 54 Social distance..is also the distance between a lecturer and his or her audience members in most cases, though those in the back of a large lecture are at a public distance from the speaker.
2. A public appearance of remoteness from a person with whom or thing with which one may privately or clandestinely have a closer relationship.
1975J. S. Auerbach in J. Braeman et al. New Deal I. 149 By intervening covertly through intermediaries, Frankfurter maintained both his private influence and his public distance. 1981Christian Sci. Monitor (Nexis) 23 Nov. 1 The White House is keeping, as best it can, its public distance from an FBI inquiry into Mr. Allen's possibly improper receipt of gifts. 2002Garden Hist. 30 233 With his article, Dinn created the required public distance from the Japan craze. |