Silence as Language

Verbal Silence as a Means of Expression

Michal Ephratt (University of Haifa, Israel)

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English

Cambridge University Press
20 March 2025

Semantics

Verbal silence touches on every possible aspect of daily life. This book provides a full linguistic analysis of the role of silence in language, exploring perspectives from semantics, semiotics, pragmatics, phonetics, syntax, grammar and poetics, and taking into account a range of spoken and written contexts. The author argues that silence is just as communicative in language as speech, as it results from the deliberate choice of the speaker, and serves functions such as informing, conveying emotion, signalling turn switching, and activating the addresser. Verbal silence is used, alongside speech, to serve linguistic functions in all areas of life, as well as being employed in a wide variety of written texts. The forms and functions of silence are explained, detailed and illustrated with examples taken from both written texts and real-life interactions. Engaging and comprehensive, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in this fascinating linguistic phenomenon.

By: Michal Ephratt (University of Haifa Israel)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Weight: 551g
ISBN: 9781108458214
ISBN 10: 1108458211
Pages: 381
Publication Date: 20 March 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Michal Ephratt is Professor of linguistics at the University of Haifa, Israel. Her research interests include language and life: neologisms, iconicity, pragmatics, proper-names, and linguistic models in the psychoanalytic theory and practice. Her major research focus is on the study of silence as means of expression.

Reviews for Silence as Language: Verbal Silence as a Means of Expression

'The author succeeds in providing a unique perspective on silence and its power to convey meaning and will leave the reader with a deeper appreciation for this often-overlooked aspect of human interaction.' Răzvan Săftoiu, Language and Dialogue