Relatively little empirical research or focused speculative investigation exists concerning the functioning of silence in the normal, everyday, human communication process. Much of the empirical research on silence is in the field of psychotherapy. This essay will survey some of the research and speculation on the role of silence in human communication in order to encourage further investigation of this important nonverbal element. The functioning of silence will be examined in a number of contexts: (1) Its role in human though processes and cultural development; (2) its role in purposive, everyday, interpersonal communication; (3) its role in political and civic life; and (4) its role in pathological settings such as counseling and psychotherapy.
