Monday, December 1, 2008

Chinmoku: What it is and where it is


Another Japanese concept that we can factor into our exploration of The Remains of the Day is one of several forms of silence in Japanese. Those familiar with the English tradition during Steven’s time will recognize the presence of silence which we often attribute to an English appreciation of stoicism. In the case of chinmoku it is not a silence of restraint or indifference, but instead another method of communicating.

Our course text, The Japanese Mind, as cited in our Tea Ceremony post, likens chinmoku to other forms of nonverbal expression. While some culture use facial expressions, gestures, and body movements to communicate nonverbally, the Japanese excel at using silence to communicate. It takes a lifetime of immersion in Japanese culture to be able perfectly understand this form of communication, which is why foreigners often miss out on the real meaning of a conversation in Japan.

Throughout the text there are crucial scenes where the most important thoughts or ideas communicated are only done so through silence. Stevens’ encounter with Miss Kenton in which she tries to discover what book he is reading in his free time would have no importance if it weren’t for the thoughts and emotions communicated in the silence between their dialogue. There is no evidence of anything romantic in their verbal exchange. It is the silence as Miss Kenton pries the book from Stevens’ hands that reveals the sexual tension between them (166, 167).

We are able to get much more out of our texts and our explorations of Japan when we recognize that there is much being communicated nonverbally.

Krista

4 comments:

skram said...

Also, concerning Chinmoku, I felt a strong sense of Seijaku (which is like Chinmoku, but is more of a hermit-like silence) in the Nitobe Gardens. I want to go back when it snows because maybe there will be even more silent, contemplation!

Mel

skram said...
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skram said...

I like this insight: "It takes a lifetime of immersion in Japanese culture to be able perfectly understand this form of communication, which is why foreigners often miss out on the real meaning of a conversation in Japan."

I think this is relevant to travels anywhere outside one's own civilization, and should be kept in mind in all of one's travels. After spending a few months in Thailand, I know that I am still not adept at interpreting the culture or its subtleties.

Angela

skram said...

I wholeheartedly agree with your standpoint that there is the possibility of great amounts of things said despite the significant aspect of silence in The Remains of the Day.

Rachel