-
oa The communicative role of silence in Akan
- Source: Pragmatics, Volume 12, Issue 1, Jan 2002, p. 31 - 51
- Previous Article
- Table of Contents
- Next Article
Abstract
This paper looks at the meaning of silence within the Akan speech community. It discusses two types of silence (1) performative silence and (2) semiotic silence. The positive attributes of silence as a communicative strategy will be explored. The paper outlines the various communicative situations in Akan society in which silence is employed, highlighting religious, social and linguistic aspects. Attention is drawn to indigenous expressions to describe silence. In passing, I will also compare the Akan data with other African societies and cultures outside Africa. The paper finally discusses silence vs. talk, silence and gender, and the acquisition of silence as a form of socialisation and communicative competence.
© 2002 International Pragmatics Association