The Communicative Function of Silence in English Discourse

Abstract

In modern linguistics, within the fields of discourse analysis and pragmatics, silence is regarded as an important communicative tool. Silence is not merely the absence of speech; it is also a strategy that carries specific semantic and pragmatic functions in the communication process. This article examines the communicative functions of silence in English discourse, as well as its social and pragmatic characteristics. The study shows that silence plays a significant role in regulating interpersonal relations, expressing emotional states, structuring discourse, and maintaining social norms. The article analyzes various functions of silence based on examples from both everyday communication and institutional discourse. As a result, it is concluded that silence functions as an integral component of discourse, serving as a communicative strategy and playing an important role in the formation of pragmatic meaning in the English language. Keywords: discourse, silence, pragmatics, communicative function, English language, discourse analysis