Data Green Releases 'The Choice to Record Silence in Transcription'
Aladdin Co., Ltd., which operates Data Green, has released new content titled 'The Choice to Record Silence in Transcription.' This content explains how silence can be a crucial clue to thoughts and emotions, proposing its use in academic research and legal proceedings.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 17:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 1, 2026 at 08:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 1, 2026 at 10:52 (2h 20m after Collected)
Aladdin Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture; Representative Director: Yoshinao Nagahama), which operates Data Green (https://www.data-green.jp/), a transcription and tape recording service, has released new content titled 'The Choice to Record Silence in Transcription.'
The Choice to Record Silence in Transcription
● The Choice to Record Silence in Transcription
https://www.data-green.jp/silence/
'Please give me a moment to think.' A few quiet seconds follow such a statement.
While conversation seems to pause, it is precisely at that moment that a person's inner self is actively working.
Silence is not 'empty time.' It encompasses various psychological movements, such as recalling memories, hesitation and conflict, consideration for others, and careful selection of words.
In the fields of psychology and linguistics, the time from receiving a question to answering it (reaction time) is also a subject of analysis. The length and position of silence are considered clues to understanding what kind of thought and emotional processes are at work.
Especially in interview surveys and qualitative research, not only 'what was said' but also 'when it was said' becomes important information.
In academic research, business, and legal proceedings, silence is not merely the absence of sound.
It can serve as an indicator of psychological fluctuations, hesitation in confirming facts, or conflict in decision-making.
Therefore, in transcription, it may be desirable to distinguish between 'silence,' 'no sound,' and 'hesitation' according to the purpose, and to record them along with time information.
■ What Silence Means
・Immediate response (0-1 second): Reflexive answer
An immediate response often indicates confidence or preparedness.
In anticipated questions or familiar situations, the brain instantly derives an answer, and silence rarely occurs.
However, this is not always a genuine feeling; it can also be a habitual reaction or an answer given to smooth things over.
・Natural pause (2-3 seconds): Thought and selection
A brief, momentary silence in response to a question is time spent thinking and organizing the answer.
It is also a process of selecting words and organizing what one wants to convey.
Such silence is naturally observed in situations requiring careful answers, such as business meetings and interviews.
・Longer silence (4-6 seconds): Conflict and hesitation
Silence of 4 seconds or more can indicate that the respondent is hesitating about the content or feeling conflict.
In situations involving important questions or judgments, silence tends to lengthen as one searches for an answer.
During this period, psychological burden, tension, and careful decision-making may be evident.
・Deep silence (7 seconds or more): Organization of thoughts and emotional movements
Silence exceeding 7 seconds can involve deeper internal movements, not just a cessation of thought. People may temporarily lose their words when experiencing strong emotions or complex thoughts. It can also include various emotions such as sadness, anger, hesitation, or re-evaluation.
Also, for those who speak carefully, this can be a natural rhythm of thought.
■ Silence in Academic Research
In psychological counseling and social surveys, silence is also an important subject of analysis.
This is because a few seconds of silence can indicate the depth of thought, emotional burden, and cognitive processing.
For example, a long silence immediately after a question may indicate time spent searching memories or considering how to answer.
Also, a short silence occurring before a rephrasing may reflect self-correction or social consideration.
When silence occurs when a topic changes, psychological resistance or burden may be involved.
The length and position of silence provide clues not only to 'what was said' but also to 'how it was said.'
・Verbatim record example
Interviewer: Do you remember the situation at that time?
Respondent: (Silence 4 seconds) Well, I don't remember clearly. However, (Silence 2 seconds) I remember being very nervous.
By preserving the seconds in this way, objective information can be retained for later analysis.
■ Silence in Court and Investigation Records
In legal procedures and internal investigations, silence can be a reference for considering the credibility of testimony and psychological state.
This is because not only the content of the statement but also 'the flow of time in which it was made' is important.
If a long silence occurs immediately after a question, it may be time spent confirming memories or organizing facts.
On the other hand, silence immediately after being asked for a definitive statement may reflect wavering certainty or careful judgment.
However, it is important that the recorder does not interpret its meaning.
By objectively recording the duration of silence, fairness and credibility are maintained.
The Choice to Record Silence in Transcription
● The Choice to Record Silence in Transcription
https://www.data-green.jp/silence/
'Please give me a moment to think.' A few quiet seconds follow such a statement.
While conversation seems to pause, it is precisely at that moment that a person's inner self is actively working.
Silence is not 'empty time.' It encompasses various psychological movements, such as recalling memories, hesitation and conflict, consideration for others, and careful selection of words.
In the fields of psychology and linguistics, the time from receiving a question to answering it (reaction time) is also a subject of analysis. The length and position of silence are considered clues to understanding what kind of thought and emotional processes are at work.
Especially in interview surveys and qualitative research, not only 'what was said' but also 'when it was said' becomes important information.
In academic research, business, and legal proceedings, silence is not merely the absence of sound.
It can serve as an indicator of psychological fluctuations, hesitation in confirming facts, or conflict in decision-making.
Therefore, in transcription, it may be desirable to distinguish between 'silence,' 'no sound,' and 'hesitation' according to the purpose, and to record them along with time information.
■ What Silence Means
・Immediate response (0-1 second): Reflexive answer
An immediate response often indicates confidence or preparedness.
In anticipated questions or familiar situations, the brain instantly derives an answer, and silence rarely occurs.
However, this is not always a genuine feeling; it can also be a habitual reaction or an answer given to smooth things over.
・Natural pause (2-3 seconds): Thought and selection
A brief, momentary silence in response to a question is time spent thinking and organizing the answer.
It is also a process of selecting words and organizing what one wants to convey.
Such silence is naturally observed in situations requiring careful answers, such as business meetings and interviews.
・Longer silence (4-6 seconds): Conflict and hesitation
Silence of 4 seconds or more can indicate that the respondent is hesitating about the content or feeling conflict.
In situations involving important questions or judgments, silence tends to lengthen as one searches for an answer.
During this period, psychological burden, tension, and careful decision-making may be evident.
・Deep silence (7 seconds or more): Organization of thoughts and emotional movements
Silence exceeding 7 seconds can involve deeper internal movements, not just a cessation of thought. People may temporarily lose their words when experiencing strong emotions or complex thoughts. It can also include various emotions such as sadness, anger, hesitation, or re-evaluation.
Also, for those who speak carefully, this can be a natural rhythm of thought.
■ Silence in Academic Research
In psychological counseling and social surveys, silence is also an important subject of analysis.
This is because a few seconds of silence can indicate the depth of thought, emotional burden, and cognitive processing.
For example, a long silence immediately after a question may indicate time spent searching memories or considering how to answer.
Also, a short silence occurring before a rephrasing may reflect self-correction or social consideration.
When silence occurs when a topic changes, psychological resistance or burden may be involved.
The length and position of silence provide clues not only to 'what was said' but also to 'how it was said.'
・Verbatim record example
Interviewer: Do you remember the situation at that time?
Respondent: (Silence 4 seconds) Well, I don't remember clearly. However, (Silence 2 seconds) I remember being very nervous.
By preserving the seconds in this way, objective information can be retained for later analysis.
■ Silence in Court and Investigation Records
In legal procedures and internal investigations, silence can be a reference for considering the credibility of testimony and psychological state.
This is because not only the content of the statement but also 'the flow of time in which it was made' is important.
If a long silence occurs immediately after a question, it may be time spent confirming memories or organizing facts.
On the other hand, silence immediately after being asked for a definitive statement may reflect wavering certainty or careful judgment.
However, it is important that the recorder does not interpret its meaning.
By objectively recording the duration of silence, fairness and credibility are maintained.