The Sociolinguistic Analysis of the Role of Silence in Communication
Objective of the study
The objectives of the study on the sociolinguistic analysis of the role of silence in communication in Nigeria are as follows:
- To Examine how different linguistic and cultural groups in Nigeria employ silence in communication
- To Investigate the diverse functions of silence in Nigerian communication.
- To examining how gender and generational factors influence the use and interpretation of silence in Nigerian society.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Silence in Social Setting
There has been a good deal of research on functions and meanings of silence from different perspectives in intercultural communication. Silence does not indicate a lack of power of the participants, especially when it is practised by women in mixed sex conversation (Kurzon, 1992). This can be slightly true in Jordanian society where a woman should practise silence in discussions that involved family matters such as marriage. For example, when someone asks for the hand of a woman, he must ask her hand from her father or younger brother, if her father is dead. Traditionally, the man should speak in the details of the marriage in front of the groom and his family not the woman who should practise silence as a means of showing respect to the spoken man. The woman‟s silence in this case does not mean lack of power, because the women organise everything before this event. Silence can be also as a result of psychological reasons, in this case the listener knows the answer, but s/he is shy to tell the speaker. In this sense, silence can be a lack of power. In addition, silence can be a result of modalistic interpretations, that is, the listener is trying to hide information (Kurzon, 1992). Jensen (1973) states that silence is sometimes followed by other non-verbal clues, such as facial expressions which may have some roles in communication. It can help in binding or severing relationships. It may therefore have a positive or a negative effect. In other words, silence may heal or wound the feelings of the interlocutors; it can be a way of revealing or hiding information from the other interlocutor. In addition, silence might be agreement or disagreement to the other speaker‟s judgement. Besides, silence can activate the thoughtfulness of the interlocutors or it may not. In Jordan, there are only two studies that examine the communicative function of silence: Salih and Bader (1997) who examine the function of silence in the classroom in Jordanian schools. Al-Sahawneh (1996) studies the function of silence in Jordanian society in general and in classrooms in particular. He studies three occasions: funerals, wedding parties, and engagements. He discusses the differences and similarities between the function of silence in Jordanian society and American and Danish societies. Al-Sahawneh (1996) concludes that silence is functional in Jordanian society with regard to deaths, wedding parties and engagement occasions as well as in Jordanian classrooms. The function of silence can be changed according to context and social settings. Silence is also practised by Jordanians “to avoid confrontation, thoughtfulness, ignorance, safety and security, resistance to an authority figure, embarrassment, respect, patience and wisdom”(Al- Sahawneh, 1996, p. 80). One of the limitations of Al-Sahawneh‟s (1996) study is that it does not explain how silence is perceived and practised on these social occasions. In addition, there is no real context of situation. He asks his participants to fill in a questionnaire. His results can be therefore simplistic and superficial. He conflates the study of silence in social settings with silence in classrooms, which are two different fields of studying silence.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine The Sociolinguistic Analysis of the Role of Silence in Communication. Students of University of Lagos state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain The Sociolinguistic Analysis of the Role of Silence in Communication. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the Sociolinguistic Analysis of the Role of Silence in Communication
Summary
This study was on a the Sociolinguistic Analysis of the Role of Silence in Communication. Three objectives were raised which included: To Examine how different linguistic and cultural groups in Nigeria employ silence in communication, to Investigate the diverse functions of silence in Nigerian communication and to examining how gender and generational factors influence the use and interpretation of silence in Nigerian society. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from selected students of university of Lagos. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The sociolinguistic analysis of the role of silence in communication underscores the importance of recognizing silence as an essential and intricate facet of human interaction. It encourages further exploration and understanding of how silence shapes our daily conversations, cultural practices, and the intricate tapestry of our social lives. As we continue to investigate the multifaceted nature of silence, we gain deeper insights into the complex interplay between language and society, enriching our comprehension of the diverse ways in which people communicate and connect with one another.
Recommendation
- Individuals engaging in cross-cultural communication should invest in learning about the cultural norms and expectations related to silence. Developing cultural awareness and sensitivity is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
- Educators and communicators should promote effective listening skills that encompass active listening during moments of silence. Understanding the unspoken messages conveyed through silence can lead to more successful interpersonal and intercultural interactions.
- Organizations and conflict resolution practitioners can benefit from a deeper understanding of silence’s role in negotiations and disputes. Recognizing when silence signifies agreement or disagreement can contribute to more effective conflict resolution strategies.
References
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