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The continuum of listening

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Learning Inquiry

Abstract

The distinction between apophatic and cataphatic listening is defined and analyzed. Apophatic listening is more or less devoid of cognitivist claims, whereas cataphatic listening involves cognition and questioning. Many of the papers in this volume are discussed along the continuum determined by these two types of listening. Haroutunian-Gordon’s claim is that every act of listening involves the listener in questioning, thus listening is solely cataphatic. We discuss apophatic listening as a limiting ideal case and conclude that not every act of listening involves a question. Though in acknowledging this limiting case we disagree with Haroutunian-Gordon’s assertion, we are indebted to her work and believe her model forms an important part of any comprehensive theory of listening.

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Notes

  1. Three of these papers, those by English, Rice, and Meadows are influenced by Deweyan thinking. Consequently, these papers establish a context that considerably respects Haroutunian-Gordon’s work, but does not provide for its complete articulation and defense. We urge the readers to examine the matter further for themselves.

References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Studies, Purdue University, 100 North University Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2098, USA

    A. G. Rud

  2. Department of Teaching and Learning, 400B WMH, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0313, USA

    Jim Garrison

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  1. A. G. Rud
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  2. Jim Garrison
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Correspondence to A. G. Rud.

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Rud, A.G., Garrison, J. The continuum of listening. Learn Inq 1, 163–168 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11519-007-0009-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11519-007-0009-x

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