Business in Peru
Space
Space, or proxemics, is another pillar of E.T. Hall's cultural theories. The main idea is that we all have acceptable levels of space that people can or cannot intrude into depending on their relationship with you. The acceptable distance for each of these levels can be different across cultures and cause interesting dynamics if a person is unaware of them.
Intimate: Reserved for those you feel very closely to and are comfortable with constant contact
Personal: Acceptable for acquaintances or close friends, but less tolerance than for someone in your intimate circle
Social: This circle is for the general public who are expected to main much greater distance than any of the previous circles.
Peruvians
Peruvians have a much smaller definition of their personal space. Their personal bubbles are consequently smaller than compared to those of Americans. They will stand closer when conversing and may constantly reach out to touch you on the arm, slap you on the back, etc.
As an American, if you were unaware, you may constantly be backing away in a conversation becuase a Peruvian will stand closer than you are generally comfortable with. However, this can be seen as impolite to a Peruvian who won't understand why you keep retreating when he or she is trying to converse with you.
How important/ common is it to use gestures to describe speech?