Bringing the silence

By:Andreea-Maria Chiriț

No images. No sounds. No thoughts. Just…you. 

We are constantly bombarded with noise. Traffic, music, and thoughts can contribute to a noisy environment. Silence can provide a respite from this noise and affect our bodies and minds. 

The Sequence of Events in Speaking 

Speech is a complex phenomenon; it takes about 5 calories per minute. To appreciate silence, let us first understand the sequence of speech. The phases of speech are outlined below. 

● Brain Activation Phase 

Language centers in the brain become active, such as Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas. Neural pathways connect different brain regions involved in language processing. The brain prepares for communication and language comprehension. 

● Neurological Language Processing Phase 

The brain accesses vocabulary and linguistic knowledge stored in memory. 

Emotions and intentions may influence speech through the involvement of limbic system structures like the amygdala and hippocampus. 

Executive functions in the prefrontal cortex control attention and word selection. ● Motor Cortex Activation Phase 

The brain sends signals to the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe, to control voluntary movements of speech-related muscles. 

The muscles used for speech, including the tongue, lips, jaw, and vocal cords, are activated. ● Physiological Sound Production Phase 

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles regulate airflow from the lungs. 

The vocal cords in the larynx (voice box) vibrate as air passes, generating sound waves. Precise control of facial muscles and the tongue shapes sounds into recognizable words. The sound resonates in the vocal tract, influencing the tone and quality of the voice. 

● Auditory Feedback and Monitoring Phase 

The brain continuously monitors the individual’s voice through auditory feedback.

The brain adjusts pronunciation and tone to maintain clarity and coherence based on what is heard. ● Social Interaction Phase 

The brain interprets the meaning of spoken words by activating relevant brain regions. Mirror neurons play a role in imitating and understanding others' speech, aiding social communication and language development. 

The sequence outlined above represents the various phases involved in speaking. 

Each phase relies on the interaction of specific brain regions and physiological mechanisms to facilitate effective communication. Understanding this sequence can provide insights into human speech production’s complexity and remarkable nature. 

Benefits of Silence 

Reduced stress and anxiety: Silence can help to reduce stress and anxiety by providing a quiet environment where we can relax and de-stress. 

Improved focus and concentration: Silence can help us to focus and concentrate by reducing distractions and allowing us to focus on the present moment. 

Increased creativity: Silence can help increase creativity by allowing us to think more clearly and develop new ideas. 

Improved sleep: Silence can help improve sleep by providing a quiet environment where we can relax and fall asleep more easily. 

Enhanced self-awareness: Silence can help us become more self-aware by allowing us to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment. 

Improved relationships: Silence can help us to improve our relationships by allowing us to listen more effectively and communicate more clearly. 

Effects of silence on brain waves 

The paper “The Effects of Silence on Brain Waves” by Yi-Yuan Tang et al. (2013) investigated the effects of silence on brain waves. The researchers found that silence increased the brain’s theta and gamma waves. 

Theta waves are associated with creativity, learning, and memory, while gamma waves are associated with attention, focus, and problem-solving. 

The researchers also found that silence decreased beta waves in the brain. 

Beta waves are associated with stress, anxiety, and worry. This suggests that silence can help to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. 

In addition, the researchers found that silence increased the connectivity between different brain regions. This suggests that silence can help to improve brain function and promote neuroplasticity. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that silence has several beneficial effects on the brain.

Also, the psychological influence of silence on the brain is profound. For instance, silence has been found to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance concentration and creativity, and contribute to heightened self-awareness and personal development. 

Silence, emotions, and the limbic system 

The limbic system, responsible for processing emotions, is significantly influenced by silence. Notably, silence can decrease amygdala activity, mitigating fear and anxiety responses. Simultaneously, it can increase hippocampal activity, impacting memory and learning processes. 

Silence and neuroplasticity 

The brain’s incredible ability to adapt and change, known as neuroplasticity, is also affected by silence. Research suggests that silence can promote the growth of new neurons, strengthen neural connections, and enhance synaptic function, contributing to a more agile and adaptable brain. 

References: 

Yi-Yuan Tang et al. (2013), “The Ef ects of Silence on Brain Waves”. 

Jyotirgamya, (July 23, 2023), “The neuroscience and psychology of silence: Benefits, practices and applications” Jyotirgamya. Retrieved: 10 February 2025, from: https://jyotirgamya.org/opinion/neuroscience-psychology-silence/