الوظيفة التفاعلية للصمت

Abstract EN

This research paper deals with the "interactive functions of silence".

We call the studied section of silence the positive silence.

This means that our standpoint is the broad concept of language which means every possible verbal or non-verbal way to communicate with others .

Accordingly, the paper agrees with dividing the language of communication into two parts: verbal language, and nonverbal language .The paper studies the silence, and concentrates on the non-verbal language through introducing its lexical and technical meanings and the alternative terms for it.

It also investigates the role of silence in the communication process and showing its interactive functions and asserting its use as a successful alternative in different situations where the verbal language does not fulfill accurately expressing the situation.

In addition, the paper studies the different non-verbal signs such as visual signs, facial expressions, and bodily gestures.

The paper depends on the linguistic evidence, a variety of social situations in our society and linguistic tradition.

It compares between the treatment of our tradition and that of the contemporary western treatment.

It concludes that silence in many situations is not the end of the communication, but a reason and motivation to pursue the communication process.