Features of Translating Diplomatic Discourse

Samandarova Sitora A’zamovna

Navoi Innovations University, Navoi, Uzbekistan

Keywords: Communication, Diplomatic Discourse, Informative and Functional Features, Linguistic and Extralinguistic

Characteristics, Inaugural Speech, Translation Transformations, Translation Transformations; Lexical

Transformations; Grammatical Transformations; Diplomatic Documents.

Abstract: The article aims to explore diplomatic discourse translation's complexities, crucial for effective

communication in state and governmental activities concerning foreign, domestic, and strategic policy

implementation. Diplomatic discourse aims to foster international confidence through peaceful resolution of

disputes, utilizing official texts and institutional communication. Unlike political argumentation and

negotiations, it encompasses both written and oral exchanges, employing monologues, dialogues, and

polylogues. The authors outline diplomatic discourse's primary objectives, including information

dissemination, representation, manipulation, regulation, appeal, and propaganda. They also examine its

extralinguistic functions, such as persuasion, influence, and intelligence gathering. This analysis highlights

the pivotal role of diplomatic discourse in facilitating diplomatic relations, shaping policies, and advancing

national interests on the global stage.

1 INTRODUCTION

Diplomatic operations constitute a core aspect of state

and governmental affairs, encompassing inter-state

relations, concerns over internal and external

security, and regulations guiding collaborative

efforts. Dating back centuries, diplomacy stands as an

art of negotiation and consensus-building, reflected in

diverse scholarly interpretations. These

interpretations define diplomacy as the science

governing relationships between sovereign entities,

the strategic conduct of foreign and international

policies to safeguard national and global interests,

and the primary function of state leaders and

governmental bodies in advancing foreign policy

objectives and safeguarding national interests abroad.

Despite variations, these definitions converge on

diplomacy's role in representing both internal and

external state interests, facilitated by effective

communication underpinned by legal frameworks.

Thus, investigating the utilisation and efficacy of

linguistic tools and translation methods in diplomatic

communication emerges as a pertinent endeavour.

2 LITERATURE REVIEW

The phenomenon of communication aimed at

influencing the recipient is termed as "discourse",

negotiations, and argumentation (Volkova, 2007).

These encompass various aspects such as

sociocultural context, participants, and

communicative intentions, with political, legal,

military, and economic dimensions, mirroring mass

media information content. Specifically, political

negotiations involve interactions between political

entities or their representatives to coordinate interests

and resolve conflicts (Anikina, et al., 2016). Political

argumentation involves logical reasoning to establish

or challenge a thesis, aiming to persuade recipients of

its significance (Anikina, et al., 2016).

We adopt a broad interpretation of political

communication, encompassing oral and written texts,

including monologues, dialogues, and polylogues,

thus referring to it as "diplomatic discourse". Notably,

diplomatic discourse combines these communication

forms, serving as a persuasive, informative, and

influential tool within public institutions.

A’zamovna, S.

Features of Translating Diplomatic Discourse.

DOI: 10.5220/0012952800003882

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd Pamir Transboundary Conference for Sustainable Societies (PAMIR-2 2023), pages 1089-1091

ISBN: 978-989-758-723-8

1089

3 DISCUSSION

The term "diplomatic discourse" encapsulates a

formal, business-like style of speech evident across

various written and spoken communication formats,

including notes, memos, communiqués, negotiations,

and declarations. Linguistically identifiable by its

unique vocabulary, politeness maxims, clichés, and

specific lexical and grammatical structures,

diplomatic discourse serves the purpose of peacefully

resolving contentious issues and fostering

international trust between nations and governments.

It encompasses several key functions, such as

appellative, communicative, representative,

manipulative, regulatory, and propagandist, each

crucial for maintaining national and international

interests, managing disputes, and influencing public

opinion.

At its core, diplomatic discourse navigates the

intricate landscape of international relations,

addressing concerns impacting bilateral and

multilateral relationships, collaboration across

different domains, and the operations of international

organizations. These topics represent the primary

focus areas of a state's diplomatic efforts within the

broader framework of international relations.

Fundamental to every state and government,

diplomatic endeavours are shaped by mutual relations

between states, concerns regarding internal and

external security, and regulations governing

cooperative operations.

The proficiency of political science is an essential

qualification for a qualified translator tasked with

translating diplomatic materials. A deep

understanding of the main points made in political

figures' speeches is imperative for ensuring accurate

and effective translations. Given the broad scope of

diplomatic communication, it is often referred to as

"diplomatic discourse." This formal business speech

style, exemplified by a variety of written and spoken

communication tools, is characterized by its specific

vocabulary, politeness maxims, clichés, and lexical

and grammatical constructions, all aimed at

influencing the listener.

A key aspect of translating diplomatic materials

involves adhering to strict guidelines for using

standard language templates. Translators must

demonstrate proficiency in corporate manners and

navigate the use of acronyms and abbreviations

commonly found in diplomatic texts. Additionally,

translators must consider various linguistic

characteristics of diplomatic discourse, including

phraseological units, neologisms, speech clichés,

borrowed terminology, and idiomatic expressions.

Cultural studies, history, and other related fields also

play a crucial role in ensuring accurate translations.

Stylistically, diplomatic documents exhibit

impartiality, generality, clarity of information, logical

organization, and adherence to diplomatic ethics.

These stylistic elements influence the translation

process, dictating the choice of translation techniques

and approaches. Furthermore, word choice in

diplomatic texts is carefully considered, with the use

of clichés, semantic fields, terminological

vocabulary, euphemisms, abbreviations, and

designations all contributing to the overall tone and

meaning of the text.

To achieve accuracy in translation, translators

employ various transformation methods, as outlined

by scholars in the field. These methods include

lexical, grammatical, stylistic, and mixed

transformations, each serving a specific purpose in

conveying the intended meaning of the original text.

Lexical translation transformations are particularly

important when dealing with non-standard words,

terms, clichés, proper names, and cultural concepts.

An analysis of translation methods used in

diplomatic discourse reveals several common

approaches. For instance, the method of regular

correspondences, omissions, generalization,

modulation, tracing, transliterations, specifications,

and implications are frequently employed to ensure

fidelity to the original text while adapting it to the

target language and audience.

Consideration of specific examples from

diplomatic texts further illustrates the application of

translation methods. For instance, logical

substitution, omission, generalization, modulation,

and transliteration are all employed to convey the

nuanced meanings and tone of the original text

accurately.

In conclusion, diplomatic discourse represents a

complex and multifaceted form of communication

essential for navigating the intricacies of international

relations. Translating diplomatic materials requires

careful attention to linguistic nuances, cultural

context, and stylistic elements to ensure accuracy and

fidelity to the original text. By employing various

transformation methods and drawing on established

translation methodologies, translators can effectively

convey the intended meaning and tone of diplomatic

discourse across languages and cultures.

4 CONCLUSION

The analysis of diplomatic discourse has shed light on

its linguistic and extra-linguistic features, as well as

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the methods employed in translating lexical units.

The predominant method observed in translation was

that of regular correspondences, indicating the

existence of numerous matches between the source

and target languages, providing translators with

choices. Conversely, less frequently utilized methods

such as transliteration, specification, and implication

were identified, typically employed when regular

relationships between units in the original and

translated texts were absent. Moreover, the

generalization method emerged as a strategy to

mitigate negative connotations associated with

certain lexical units.

In essence, the examination of diplomatic

discourse and its translation methods underscores the

nuanced nature of cross-cultural communication

within international diplomacy. By understanding

and effectively applying translation techniques,

translators play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and

culturally sensitive communication across linguistic

boundaries. Moving forward, continued research and

analysis in this field will contribute to further

enhancing the effectiveness and precision of

diplomatic communication in an increasingly

interconnected global landscape.

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