Powerful Silences in a Postcolonial Settings

Roundtable Convenor(s)

• Jv

  Joëlla van Donkersgoed

  University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
• Gv

  Gerlov van Engelenhoven

  Leiden University, Netherlands

Roundtable Chair(s)

• Jv

  Joëlla van Donkersgoed

  University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
• Gv

  Gerlov van Engelenhoven

  Leiden University, Netherlands

Roundtable Participant(s)

• Jv

  Joëlla van Donkersgoed

  University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
• Gv

  Gerlov van Engelenhoven

  Leiden University, Netherlands
• RH

  Reïnda Hullij

  Utrecht University, Netherlands
• MP

  Mariana Pinto Leitão Pereira

  University of York, United Kingdom
• 

  Elena Burgos Martinez

  Leiden University, Netherlands

Roundtable Abstract:

In post- and decolonial theory and activism, the terms ‘voice’ and ‘silence’ are often used as opposite metaphors of power. Whereas voice is generally used as a metaphor for empowerment (‘we must raise our voices’), silence is used as the voice's negative counterpart, signifying powerlessness (‘we must break the silence’).
And yet, depending on subjects and context, speaking up is not always an empowering act: it can lead to exposure, to judgment and to violence, depending on who is speaking to whom in which cultural, legal or political context. Along the same lines, not all silence signifies powerlessness. Powerful and meaningful uses of silence can be found in everyday activities such as meditation and prayer, as well as in the collective commemoration practice of two minutes of silence. Communities can use silence therapeutically, to generate communal resilience against oppressive forces, such as in silent vigils. But silence can also be used disruptively, for instance in silent protests.
The roundtable brings together scholars from a wide range of disciplines to share their ideas on the power of silence, in order to foster a discussion about its implications across (Southeast) Asia and its diasporas.