Diplomatic style is characterized, above all, by clarity and simplicity. This is not about the banality of the artisanal method of expression, but about the classical form, which involves the choice of a single suitable word for each item. Many authors conduct correspondence within the framework of documentary linguistics and at the same time give preference to the technical aspects and principles of its design. In our article we will talk about the diplomatic language and diplomatic documents. Consider their classification and main features.
Diplomatic language category
Not every stylist is able to become a master of such correspondence without special training. Diplomatic documents should be understood as official documents, papers of national importance. Their content is usually initiallypredetermined, established even before the start of work on the formation of the paper itself. For example, telegrams of heads of state issued on the occasion of a national holiday; notes that contain a proposal (request, message, etc.). It should be noted that the preparation of diplomatic documents is subject to certain stereotypes. Therefore, working on paper can be described as working on a word.
In the history of international relations, one can find a significant number of negative examples that are associated with inaccuracies in the wording proposed in the process of presenting fundamental points of view. If the brevity of the content obviously harms the meaning of the paper, then it is also not needed. It is very important to understand that the desired must be expressed fully and accurately. In modern society, diplomacy is usually called the art of negotiation. However, if there is no diplomacy at the writing table, then it certainly is not at the negotiating table.
Classification of diplomatic documents
It is important to note that until recently only five documents were included in this category of documentation. Among them, it is advisable to highlight the following:
- Notes verbale.
- Personal notes.
- Memoranda.
- Memoranda.
- Letters of a private semi-official nature.
The presented basic diplomatic documents (and the corresponding approach) in the relatively recent past fully met the requirements that were imposed on diplomatic documentation. The practice of relations of a diplomatic nature has now openedthe widest possible application of other papers. These include: communiques, telegrams, statements, and so on. Many documents that did not make it into the "lucky five" also perform their effective and useful functions. They are used in the process of communication between states, as well as in the daily activities of the diplomatic plan. This indicates the absence of an unambiguous criterion related to the division of diplomatic documents into types and their characteristics. In this case, the guilt of the limitations of the terms themselves is not excluded: "diplomatic" and "correspondence". So, if we are talking about the first concept, then only papers of embassies and the Foreign Ministry can be included in this category. Protocol courtesy formulas are used in verbal and personal notes, as well as memos sent by couriers (documentary form, which is used quite rarely).
Personal notes
One of the types of diplomatic documents is a personal note. It should be noted that it is sent on issues of fundamental and important importance and, as a rule, contains information about some large-scale event. The note is drawn up in the first person, and the beginning of the document is an appeal. One of the most common forms are diplomatic documents containing a statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. As a rule, they begin with the words "Dear Mr. Minister" or "Dear Mr. Ambassador". The introduction is followed by the semantic part of the paper. The ending is a certain politeness formula,in other words, a compliment by which the author “proves respect for a person.”
It is worth bearing in mind that the tonality of personal notes can be more or less warm. In any case, the personal signature of the addressee remains the most important component of the document. As in the distant past, it is customary in the modern period to sign paper with a fountain pen filled with black ink. Under no circumstances should ballpoint pens with red or other refills be used in diplomatic documents containing a statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or ministers of other levels.
Note Verbale
A note verbale should be understood as the most common form of paper today. Embassies and ministries of foreign affairs correspond, as a rule, by sending notes verbale. It is worth noting that the adjective “verbal” comes from the Latin word “verbalis”, which means not “verbal note”, but “verbal”, or a document “which must be taken seriously”. This is the reason why some researchers equate paper with an oral message. It is possible that such an interpretation can be attributed to the original meaning of this form of a diplomatic document in a diplomatic language. At present, it is not very difficult to convince someone of this, it is impossible. Verbal notes are used to consider and further resolve a wide range of issues. They set out the economic, political, scientific, technical and other problems of both multilateral and bilateralplan.
With the help of notes, accidents on the road involving embassy employees are also reported, visas are requested, information of a representative plan is brought to the embassies (for example, about organizing trips of the diplomatic corps around the country, about excursions to industrial structures and scientific organizations, about invitation of diplomats, for example, to an event in honor of the national holiday of the country), as well as information about the arrival of new employees, about the departure of those employees whose service period is considered to have expired. Diplomatic documents under consideration (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation) may include a specific request for representation or the attitude of a state that acts as an accreditor to a specific international event. Thus, the list of issues discussed in the notes verbale today is extremely wide.
Memorandum
Another example of a diplomatic document is an aide-mémoire. It is worth noting that one can draw conclusions about its purpose by its name - “a note for memory”. There are currently two types of notes. We are talking about documents handed over personally, and papers sent by courier. It should be noted that an aide-memoire, as a rule, is handed to a person in order to draw his attention and emphasize the importance of the specified issue, to enhance the significance of an oral request or statement. This form is also called an aide-memoire-express. Reasons for presenting the paper in question, which occupies a specialplace in the collection of diplomatic documents, can be a variety of issues, ranging from clarifying the meaning of terms and words, as well as the provisions of articles, to the most important problems between the parties.
Memorandum
Next, it is advisable to consider the memorandum. This diplomatic document is a means of considering the factual side of a particular issue and contains an analysis of its individual aspects. The paper sets out arguments in defense of a particular position, as well as a controversy with the arguments of the other side. It is worth noting that the memorandum can be issued as an attachment to a verbal or personal note or as an independent paper handed over or sent by courier. In the first case, the diplomatic document is printed on a special music paper without a coat of arms, and the stamp, number, city and date of departure are not needed. In the second, we are talking about printing on a music sheet without a compliment and appeal. There are no numbers and stamps on it, but the date and place of departure are indicated. One of the requirements for a diplomatic document is the inscription "Memorandum", located in the center. Such paper is often referred to in diplomatic circles as an express memorandum.
It is interesting to know that in the recent past, the memorandum was called the French word "deduction" (in translation - "conclusion") or "des motifs" ("motivation", "statement of motives"). The French diplomat Jean Sere characterizes this diplomatic document as a note that is intended to be presented exclusively to the head of state, but todayto agree with his conclusion would be wrong and, at least, illogical. You should be aware that most often a memorandum is used as an attachment to a personal or verbal note.
Private letter
A good example of a diplomatic document is a private letter. So, a paper of semi-official significance is sent to official acquaintances when some assistance is required in resolving issues that are considered the subject of official negotiations or correspondence. The main purpose of a private letter is to emphasize the author's interest in the relevant case or to speed up the resolution of a particular issue by using the influence of the person to whom the letter is sent. In this case, the diplomat can personally discuss the issue, as well as leave a note of an informal nature, which is called "non paper", with a summary of the meaning of the problem.
It should be noted that private letters are drawn up on plain paper, sometimes on a form with the surname and name or official title of the sender printed using a typographic technique in the upper left corner. A feature of a diplomatic document is that its reverse side of the sheet is under no circumstances used in accordance with the rules of registration. The address in such a letter, as a rule, is the following: "Dear Mr. M". The final compliment is a must. The number on the document of diplomatic correspondence is not indicated, a personal signature and date, one way or another, are required. The address must be indicated only on the envelope.
Requirements for diplomaticdocumentation
Let's consider the basic requirements for the archives and documents of the diplomatic mission, relevant both in the past and today. One of them is the spelling of the title. The paper may sometimes contain something unpleasant for the interlocutor, however, the formulas of politeness, one way or another, must be observed. It is important to note that any diplomatic official document begins with an address. The exact surname and title of the person to whom it is addressed are sometimes considered no less important than the content of the paper. Any reductions, distortions are currently unacceptable as well as in the past.
Diplomatic documentation suggests an answer anyway. His absence, as a rule, is perceived as a reaction of a definitely negative plan. So, a verbal note is answered with a verbal note, a personal letter is answered with a similar one. In society, it is considered extremely impolite to respond to a personal letter, for example, with a verbal note or a letter with a personal signature - a letter with a surname that is typed.
Archives and documents of a diplomatic mission under any circumstances must have a perfect appearance. By the way, this is the reason why all diplomatic papers are printed on the highest quality material. Envelopes for documentation must be of the appropriate size and quality characteristics. The seal should be put on a strictly established place for it, that is, at the bottom of the paper, and the text should be nicely placed all over the sheet. Consideringprinciples of diplomatic correspondence, one cannot fail to recall the documents emanating from the highest legislative bodies, which include appeals to the parliaments of different states on the issues of preventing nuclear war, disarmament, joint communiqués of parliaments on the results of visits, as well as negotiations of parliamentarians.
The language of diplomacy: traditional and modern approach
The ambassadors have no ships, no heavy artillery, no fortresses. Their weapons are words and opportunities” (Demosthenes). This is how the language of diplomacy can be characterized. It is worth noting that the official business style is best perceived in the form of sub-styles. Consider the main features of the diplomatic style. Diplomacy should be understood as the art of resolving international disputes through peaceful means. This is nothing but skill and technique that harmoniously affect international relations and are subject to certain customs and rules. Diplomatic language should be considered as an expression that is used to denote two different concepts. First of all, we are talking about the language for official diplomatic relations and the drafting of international treaties. Secondly, about the totality of special phrases and terms that form the generally accepted diplomatic vocabulary.
Today there is no mandatory linguistic unity, no official plan for the drafting of treaties at the international level (in the past, French was the official language). The fact is that the principle of linguistic equality is gradually being affirmed. State bodies of external relations conduct official correspondence in a "foreign" language with rare exceptions, and the exchange of diplomatic documents is carried out only in their national language.
The second meaning of the concept of the language of diplomacy, which implies a set of special phrases and terms that are included in the generally accepted lexicon (for example, “good offices”, “modus vivendi”, “arbitration”, “status quo” and so on), implies that the proportion of such terms in modern diplomatic documentation is very insignificant. About the style and language of these papers, there are a number of remarks that deserve attention in the book of H. Wildner. The book is called "The Technique of Diplomacy". The author notes that the diplomatic style should be distinguished primarily by clarity and simplicity. This does not mean the banality of the artisanal method of expression, but the classical form of simplicity, able to choose for each object a single word that is suitable under specific circumstances.
Everyday life of diplomacy is not on the diplomatic parquet, but at the desk
It is quite interesting to analyze the requirements for the professional characteristics of a diplomat acting as a representative of the speech profession. The ability to inspire and continue to maintain trust, as well as discretion - these are perhaps the most important of them. A well-known politician in Russia, Anatoly Gavrilovich Kovalev, determined that trust is caused by the specialist whose style of behavior goes by itself.fits into the general features of the relationship of certain states, whose word is authoritative. As noted above, diplomacy should be understood as the art of resolving international disagreements by peaceful means. The basis of modern diplomacy is precisely the theory of constant negotiations, which was developed by Cardinal Richelieu in his "Political Testament".
In addition to participating in international negotiations and conferences, attending ceremonial events and official receptions, diplomats have a wide range of duties that are almost completely hidden from prying eyes. One of the most important branches of activity of these people, which are gaining more and more specific importance, is paperwork. It is worth knowing that diplomatic correspondence is one of the key forms of the diplomatic work of the state in the implementation of the tasks and goals of its foreign policy.
Shapes
Besides the one presented in the previous chapter, there are other forms of diplomatic activity of the state. Among them, it is advisable to indicate the following points:
- Participation in international congresses, meetings or conferences, that is, in meetings of representatives of states of periodic importance at different levels.
- Preparation and subsequent conclusion of international agreements and treaties, bilateral or multilateral, regulating various issues arising in relations between states.
- Representation of the state abroad, implementedhis missions and embassies, daily; conducting political and other negotiations with the diplomatic departments of host countries.
- Participation of state representatives in the work of international organizations, regional and general political.
- Media coverage of the government's position on certain foreign policy issues, including the release of official information.
- Official publication of international documentation and acts.
Tact and courtesy are important
Today in diplomatic correspondence, one way or another, it is customary to observe the requirements of politeness and tact, to avoid harsh expressions that offend the dignity of the country where this diplomatic paper is sent. Such documentation is considered a kind of product that is released to the outside world by the structures of external relations. That is why mastering the "ABC of diplomacy" - the art of preparing diplomatic documentation - is one of the necessary criteria for meeting the level of cooperation on an international level. If diplomacy is not at the writing table, then it will not be at the negotiating table.
The same content in political terms, which is transmitted through unequal verbal expressions from the mouth of an official representing the interests of a particular state or the authority of an international organization, can be perceived differently. It is worth noting that diplomacy has always used this. The nuance of words and concepts is a storehouse of possibilities, but only for skillful diplomacy.
I wonder whatIn the days of Henry IV, the diplomat Jeannin, a Frenchman, was sent to Holland to carry out an intermediary mission, which was to persuade the United Provinces and Spain to negotiate peace. However, neither the Prince of Orange nor the Spanish king was inclined to negotiate. As a result, they were interrupted and resumed in a new way several times. The negotiations lasted (if this communication can be called that) for almost 2 years, when Jeannin, who clearly knew what power words are endowed with and how weak even great people are, decided to replace the word “peace” with the lexical expression “long truce”. So, for the pride of the monarchs, who did not want to agree to peace, the truce seemed acceptable.
The content of diplomatic papers and its features. Conclusion
So, we have examined in detail the category of diplomatic documents, as well as the classification that is currently relevant. Such documentation is official, "state" papers. It should be noted that for the language of diplomacy, it is not the musicality of the phrase, not the stylistic perfection that is especially important, but the complete and unshakable compliance with the content, the extremely accurate expression of its meaning and political point of view on a particular issue.
The content of the considered category is usually considered to be established, given (by the relevant government authority that determines policy) even before work begins on the formation of the paper itself. That is why, in practice, the task, as a rule, is reducedto express as brightly, fully and convincingly as possible the content, the only form of existence of which in a diplomatic paper is the language itself and its key element - the word. From this it becomes clear how important it is to work on a word, language, as well as the correspondence of each phrase to the meaning that is embedded in it. It should be noted that a sufficient percentage of the texts of a diplomatic nature is occupied by the use of the grammatical category of obligation (for example, “such and such a government must” or “such and such a people must”).
It must be borne in mind that the name of the diplomatic document plays a fundamental role. Today, it is expedient to include the answers of the leaders of states to questions or appeals of individuals or representatives of public organizations to the category of the most important diplomatic papers; answers to questions from print media correspondents on the most pressing issues related to the situation around the world; speeches by statesmen at international forums and public gatherings.
