9卷 第5期
Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, 201701, China
纸质出版：2025-10-30
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Zhang Yu. (2025). Silence in Intercultural Communication: A Comparative Analysis of Sino-Western Interpretations. 创业与创新（英文版）, 9(5), 177-181.
Zhang Yu.Silence in Intercultural Communication: A Comparative Analysis of Sino-Western Interpretations[J].Entrepreneurship and Innovation,2025,09(05):177-181.
Zhang Yu. (2025). Silence in Intercultural Communication: A Comparative Analysis of Sino-Western Interpretations. 创业与创新（英文版）, 9(5), 177-181. DOI： 10.47297/wspeiWSP2516-253537.20250905.
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.
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.
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