Vaikimise

Vaikimise is the genitive form of vaikimine, the Estonian noun that denotes the act or state of being quiet, or the act of refraining from speech. It can refer to a physical absence of sound in a space as well as to deliberate silencing in social or political contexts.

Vaikimine derives from the verb vaikima, meaning to be quiet or to fall silent. The genitive vaikimise is used in phrases such as vaikimise mõju (the impact of silence), vaikimise kultuur (the culture of silence), and vaikimise tähendus (the meaning of silence).

In everyday language, vaikimine describes both momentary quietness and broader patterns of restraint. It may indicate self-imposed silence, or external pressure to remain silent, including forms of censorship or social conformity. In literature, philosophy, and social discourse, vaikimine is analyzed as a communicative phenomenon: silence can signal contemplation, respect, agreement, or unspoken disagreement.

Socially, vaikimine influences dialogue, negotiations, and rituals, and it is a topic in discussions of freedom of expression and interpersonally. Mindfulness practices and some therapeutic approaches also regard controlled quiet as beneficial for reflection and concentration.

See also: vaikne (quiet), vaikus (silence). The term também appears in discussions of cultural norms surrounding speech and restraint.