Silence in Intercultural Communication: A Comparative Analysis of Sino-Western Interpretations​

Zhang Yu

doi:10.47297/wspeiWSP2516-253537.20250905

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Silence in Intercultural Communication: A Comparative Analysis of Sino-Western Interpretations

Volume 9, Issue 5

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Silence in Intercultural Communication: A Comparative Analysis of Sino-Western Interpretations
Silence in Intercultural Communication: A Comparative Analysis of Sino-Western Interpretations
Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, 201701, China
Vol. 9, Issue 5, Pages: 177-181(2025)
Published：30 October 2025
DOI：10.47297/wspeiWSP2516-253537.20250905
Accepted：

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Zhang Yu.Silence in Intercultural Communication: A Comparative Analysis of Sino-Western Interpretations[J].Entrepreneurship and Innovation,2025,09(05):177-181.
DOI：

Zhang Yu.Silence in Intercultural Communication: A Comparative Analysis of Sino-Western Interpretations[J].Entrepreneurship and Innovation,2025,09(05):177-181. DOI： 10.47297/wspeiWSP2516-253537.20250905.

摘要

Abstract

This paper examines the role of silence as a significant factor in intercultural communication between Chinese and Western contexts. While silence is a universal phenomenon

its meanings and functions are culturally constructed. Grounded in E.T. Hall's high-context/low-context framework and supplemented by Hofstede's cultural dimensions

this study argues that the interpretation of silence is a major source of misunderstanding. In Western

low-context cultures that prioritize verbal expressiveness

silence is often perceived negatively—as a sign of hesitation

disagreement

or lack of engagement. In contrast

within Chinese high-context culture

which is influenced by Confucian

Taoist

and Buddhist philosophies

silence is imbued with positive values such as respect

thoughtfulness

and harmony. Through a detailed analysis of two common scenarios—the classroom and business negotiations—this paper elucidates the cultural logic behind Chinese communicative silence

including face-saving

group orientation

and hierarchical respect. It also contrasts this with Western expectations for direct verbal feedback. The conclusion emphasizes that effective intercultural communication requires moving beyond ethnocentric interpretations. By understanding the cultural underpinnings of silence

communicators can transform a potential barrier into a bridge for mutual understanding. This paper contributes to the fields of intercultural communication and comparative cultural studies by providing a synthesized analysis of silence across practical domains.

关键词

Keywords

references

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