Silence is golden, so the saying goes.
Moments of silence are used in contemplation, reflection and in remembrance of loved ones lost.
Silence is sometimes a civility.
Quiet carriages on trains require it, muting yourself at meetings either online or in person is an expectation, and listening in conversation with your friend (instead of just waiting for your turn to speak) are all times when silence is required.
Silence is a legal right if you are accused of a crime but is not absolute, as it is in the US.
Last year, a new academic book called Silence, Civility and Sanity: hope for humanity in a digital age explored the importance of silence and the art of listening to foster a more positive dialogue and civil society.
But silence can be painful, too.
Eight years ago, Microsoft built a room that is now in the Guinness Book of World Records as the quietest place on Earth.
Only a few people can stand to be in the room for more than a few minutes – so loud does their heartbeat, blood flow and bone movements become to their own ears in the absence of any other sound.
Unreturned personal phone calls, unanswered requests for contact and unrequited love are all examples of silence that can bring emotional pain.
And sometimes silence is dangerous.
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In Queensland, bikes and mobility devices must have a working warning device such as a bell or horn, but not everyone likes it when they are rung.
There are moves afoot to ensure electric vehicles make enough noise to signify their presence to those around them.
Ferrari even filed a patent last month for its trademark growl to be emitted from its first EV – to be released in two years – via an external soundtrack.
Speaking loudly with a phone on speaker during personal calls seems to be on the increase, much to my annoyance.
Of course, there are times when people must break silence to speak up for the voiceless or to speak out against poor government decision-making or inappropriate community plans.
But while there is often talk about squeaky wheels gaining the most attention, the majority knows there is a time for silence and a time to make some noise.
Dr Jane Stephens is a UniSC journalism lecturer, media commentator and writer. The views expressed are her own.
