Silence possesses varied uses and meanings; linguistically, it has been studied as pauses during conversations, compared to speech as a relevant communication category, and researched based on specific domains or situations (Jaworski, 1993). Brunneau (1973) and Johannesen (1974) examined the forms and functions of silence in human interactions. As a form, silence includes the withdrawal of speech during a conversation, the silence of individuals in a classroom or courtroom, and silence at religious rituals (Nakane, 2007).