Listening: The foundation of understanding and tolerance in a multiethnic Malaysia
In our interconnected world, the ability to truly understand others from diverse backgrounds is a skill that encompasses time and cultural boundaries. Listening, often overlooked in the noise of daily life (made noisier since the arrival of social media), emerges as a fundamental tool for building meaningful connections and relationships.
The art of listening extends beyond the simple act of hearing words. It involves engaging different senses, such as sight and touch, to process information on different levels. Unlike hearing, which is an involuntary act of receiving sound waves through the ears, listening demands concentration and leads to genuine learning. Its effectiveness forms the foundation of strong relationships, be it in the closed spaces of our homes, or the open, collaborative areas of our workplaces.
The importance of listening has even found a scholarly home in the International Journal of Listening. A 2012 study published in this indexed journal pointed to the importance of listening skills for personal, academic, and professional success in the 21st century. The study specifically advocated for the integration of listening skills within general education oral communication courses.
Interestingly, this acknowledgment of listening as a crucial skill is not a modern revelation. History has proven that listening was held highly in various philosophical traditions. In ancient Greece for example, the art of rhetoric, encompassing both speaking and listening, was highly prized. The Greeks recognised that effective communication involved not only expressing oneself clearly and elegantly but also genuinely understanding and responding to others.
Similarly, the Stoics, a philosophical school founded in Athens around 300 BC, emphasised the importance of listening as part of their principles of virtue, wisdom, and self-discipline. Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher, highlighted the significance of listening in cultivating empathy and fostering harmonious relationships. His words in the ‘Enchiridion’ echo through the ages: “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.”
This Stoic principle underscores the value of attentive listening as a means of gaining knowledge, appreciating diverse perspectives, and promoting social harmony.
I believe that in the context of understanding other cultures and religions, particularly in our multiethnic country, mastering active listening skills is paramount.
“Listening is the foundation of building understanding and tolerance,” said Dr Sharifah Ayeshah Syed Mohd Noori, deputy dean of research at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya.
Effective listening, she added, especially in conversations about matters of faith and religion, acts as the initial catalyst for this transformative journey. It involves the intentional suspension of preconceived notions, creating a space where individuals can authentically share their perspectives, values, and beliefs. This active engagement lays the foundation for a bridge of communication, essential for bridging the gaps that often divide communities.
“As individuals embrace the practice of active listening, a natural progression towards tolerance emerges. In the context of understanding other religions, tolerance signifies more than a passive acceptance; it embodies a profound respect for the right of others to hold divergent religious beliefs. Tolerance does not necessitate agreement but fosters an environment of peaceful coexistence where diverse perspectives can flourish.”
“And continued open-minded listening, coupled with a foundation of tolerance, lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding. This understanding transcends mere acknowledgment, thus transporting one into the historical, cultural, and personal contexts that shape religious beliefs.
“It is through this comprehensive understanding that a more profound appreciation for the richness and diversity of human experiences emerges,” she added.
Perhaps, if the prospect of engaging in interfaith dialogues feels intimidating to you, the solution lies in the simplicity of lending an ear. By embracing a culture of active listening, we will pave the way for tolerance and, ultimately, an understanding that celebrates the diversity of beliefs woven into the very fabric of our lives.
Now, who wants to listen about Thaipusam, which is just around the corner?
Associate Professor Dr Nahrizul Adib Kadri is an associate professor at the Universiti of Malaya.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
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