A COMPARISON OF PROXEMIC AND SELECTED COMMUNICATION BEHAVIOR OF ANGLO-AMERICAN AND HMONG REFUGEE MOTHER-INFANT PAIRS (LAOS)
Author(s):
Newlin-haus, Esther Mary
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : Indiana University, 1982.
Pages:
152
Language:
English
Abstract:
This is an interdisciplinary study which compares and contrasts mother-infant proxemic and selected other communicative behaviors of white middle-class American and Hmong Laotian refugee mother-infant pairs. Though developmental linguistics has provided a fertile area for theoretical gains, the study of the development of proxemic codes and other nonverbal communication behaviors is in its infancy. Much of the infant communication research to date has taken place in the laboratory (Stern, 1974; Trevarthen, 1976; Brazelton, Kowslowski & Main, 1974; Sanders, 1977; Anderson, Vietze, & Dokecki, 1978; and others). Yet Barker (1965) and Birdwhistell (1970) suggest the power of the environment to influence behavior. To study cross cultural communicative behavior in the natural setting, a portable, microcomputer-based observer training, data storage, and data analysis system was developed which can be used in field settings where extensive computer facilities are unavailable. Ten American and ten Hmong mother-infant pairs were selected to participate in this research. Each mother-infant pair was observed after adaptation sessions for 30 minutes of continuous observation. The pairs were observed in a "free play" setting. The observation system allowed continuous, sequential observation; frequency, duration, and sequential patterns were preserved in the data records. Physical and social environmental differences may be an important determinant, along with cultural differences, of mother-infant interaction patterns. For example, touching patterns were different for the two groups; the Hmong held and touched their infants more frequently than did the Americans. Similar findings across groups indicate a developmental basis for some behaviors. Illustrative findings in this study included: both groups moved most frequently into near and hand touch categories, rather than into closer touching or far zones. No significant differences were discovered in frequency of infant vocalizations, though maternal ranges were quite large; and total time spent vocalizing for infants was nearly identical for the two groups. Both sets of infants demonstrated "touch-explore" proxemic patterns with their mothers.