Silence as an Expression of
Agreement or Disagreement
Using silence to suggest agreement or disagreement is common in many cultures. Clarification is made through accompanying body signs. Generally agreement in Japan is expressed with nods of the head, as in the up and down of a yes. Sometimes, where nodding would be too conspicuous, widening eyes accompanied by an almost invisible nod, grin, or raised eyebrow is used. When a person is placed in a position where spelling out true feelings would be improper, as when asking students about classmates who are guilty of some impropriety, the silent expressions help suggest the truth behind the words being spoken.
Disagreement or other negative acknowledgement is often accompanied with a nod to the side, toward the shoulder, though at times ever so slight. Grimacing, frowns, squinted eyes, wrinkling the nose, pouting, and other signs are common. A hand shielding a pointing finger, or a silent yet mouthed response, can help clarify who or what is being talked about. This kind of silent communicating is practiced even when there is no real chance of being overheard. This may come from years of living in houses with thin walls, or as a symbolic recognition of the power of authority.