Silence that matters

Abstract

In our focus on spoken conversation we tend to forget that there are also things not said. In failing to acknowledge these silences, much of what is significant may be overlooked. This book presents the findings of ethnographic fieldwork in intra- and inter-university collaboration, including that of Dutch and Chinese scientists. It also offers theoretical insights into the connection between silence and social learning. Silence is analysed in four functions. Understanding these has major practical implications for improving the ways in which we work together.