Silence in Cultures

The use of silence varies from one culture to another. Western traditional cultures perception of and use of silence are different from eastern cultures of the world. Countries which adapted much of the Greek culture and learned from Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato high value socializing and believe talking as an important activity. Some countires that view the perception of silence in this way are the United States, Germany, and France. However, Eastern cultures such as Japan and India find silence very appealing. Silence is not only developed in Asian cultures, but it is also found in many Scandinavian cultures and American Indian cultures. The Japanese culture observed that silence can serve a variety of purposes. It can be seen as a way of talking among family members and it is linked with credibility (p.226).It is also a way for them to avoid conflict and embarassment, with proverbs such as “It is the duck that squawks that gets shot”. In India, silence is a very big part of their culture. Their religion, Hinduism, is based on silence, “The Hindu believes that ‘self-realization, salvation, truth, wisdom, peace, and bliss are all achieved in a state of meditation and introspection when the individual is communicating with himself or herself in silence” (p. 226). Scandinavian cultures also oppose the dominant western cultures. They think silence conveys interest and consideration. Finally, the native Americans believe silence is a sign of a remarkable person. Silence is also the number one rule when interacting with another during important events such as meetings with strangers and periods of mourning. These four cultures show that their people have a lot of respect, proper etiquette, maturity, good manners, and great character towards others. The Chinese philospher, Confucious left some remarkable provers which stuck in many of today’s silent Asian cultures. “Believe not others’ tales,/Others will lead thee far astray;” “Silence is a friend who will