We generally associate communication with words, visuals and sounds. Communication is, nonetheless, also associated with silence. This statement may sound strange, but it is very true.
We live in a culture that fears silence. I suspect that sometimes we use sounds and visuals to alienate ourselves from the existential questions that continuously rise from the depth of our beings. Sometimes, instead of facing ourselves warts and all we prefer the sounds and visuals that distract us.
It is true that silence can be sterile. Such silencemarks the breakdown of communication. Ma nitkelmux and miksurin are two Maltese phrases having the same meaning: no communication. It is interesting that the lack of communication is compared to breaking.
However, silence can also be creative. It provides the “space” on which words flow. It provides the ambience needed for words to be understood. Without silence verbal communication becomes impossible. Silence can also indicate closeness and intimacy. We feel nervous in the silent presence of someone who is just a casual acquaintance. But silent presence when accompanying someone we love is very communicative, particularly if accompanied by a touch, gestures, facial expressions and other forms of body language.
Pope Benedict’s decision to choose silence and words as the theme for his message for the 46 World Communications Day (20 May 2012) was a very pertinent decision. He says that true communications needs an ‘eco-system’ that maintains a just equilibrium between silence, words, images and sounds.
I share with you a few extracts.
No silence; no communication
“Silence is an integral element of communication; in its absence, words rich in content cannot exist. In silence, we are better able to listen to and understand ourselves; ideas come to birth and acquire depth; we understand with greater clarity what it is we want to say and what we expect from others; and we choose how to express ourselves. By remaining silent we allow the other person to speak, to express him or herself; and we avoid being tied simply to our own words and ideas without them being adequately tested. In this way, space is created for mutual listening, and deeper human relationships become possible.
Search engines: searching answers?
“The process of communication nowadays is largely fuelled by questions in search of answers. Search engines and social networks have become the starting point of communication for many people who are seeking advice, ideas, information and answers. In our time, the internet is becoming ever more a forum for questions and answers – indeed, people today are frequently bombarded with answers to questions they have never asked and to needs of which they were unaware. If we are to recognize and focus upon the truly important questions, then silence is a precious commodity that enables us to exercise proper discernment in the face of the surcharge of stimuli and data that we receive.”
Websites that aid reflection
“Attention should be paid to the various types of websites, applications and social networks which can help people today to find time for reflection and authentic questioning, as well as making space for silence and occasions for prayer, meditation or sharing of the word of God. In concise phrases, often no longer than a verse from the Bible, profound thoughts can be communicated, as long as those taking part in the conversation do not neglect to cultivate their own inner lives. It is hardly surprising that different religious traditions consider solitude and silence as privileged states which help people to rediscover themselves and that Truth which gives meaning to all things.”
Word and silence
“Word and silence: learning to communicate is learning to listen and contemplate as well as speak. This is especially important for those engaged in the task of evangelization: both silence and word are essential elements, integral to the Church’s work of communication for the sake of a renewed proclamation of Christ in today’s world. To Mary, whose silence “listens to the Word and causes it to blossom” (Private Prayer at the Holy House, Loreto, 1 September 2007), I entrust all the work of evangelization which the Church undertakes through the means of social communication.”
The message can be accessed from http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/communications/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20120124_46th-world-communications-day_en.html