In The Language Instinct Stephen Pinker writes: But at an amazing rate communication becomes refined into language, one of the defining characteristics of human beings. From birth humans communicate, at first in order to survive – to ensure that needs are met. Language is one of our most basic instincts. Since effective communication has much to do with reading intentions and contexts correctly, insights are provided into relevant cultural, social and psychological variables. Close attention is paid to case studies of treaties, presidential speeches, public announcements, government advertising and media materials in order to link theoretical discussion to practical examples. The course promotes language awareness as a means of improving the skills of opinion shapers. What makes one set of words more convincing than another, and how can language best be put to work in the service of diplomacy and international relations?
Despite the changes, core issues remain fundamental to the practice of diplomacy. Today, technology is continuously shaping certain aspects of language and diplomacy, with the introduction of new tools for communication and interpretation, novel ways of capturing and preserving diplomatic documents, and methods that facilitate online negotiations. Language is as much important today as it was to the first envoys and negotiators. The role of the unsaid in communication (the meaningful silence) is equally crucial.
Language can also serve as a form of action: when we warn, threaten, promise, suggest, agree, advise or otherwise, we are doing something, and not merely saying something. Diplomats engage in negotiations, persuasion, presentation, and communication, all of which necessitate language skills for the effective conduct of diplomatic work.īoth the written and the spoken language require the mastering of concepts and skills, and need to consider message and context. It has often been said that language is not only an instrument of communication, but the very essence of diplomacy. African Digital Diplomacy and Governance.
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