Language is central in politics. In the parliament, on social media and in public debate, people argue with words. Who is able to speak, however, is never fixed: in Black Lives Matter, #MeToo and the climate marches, people who originally were silenced demand a voice. Silence can also oppress: sometimes people’s (and other animals’) languages are excluded, sometimes they just aren’t heard.

In her philosophical essay, Eva Meijer maps the different kinds of political silences and shines a new light on discussions about political voice. But silence is also a form of rebellion, or can be a shelter. Listening and being silent are part of every good conversation.