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The Language of Diplomacy |
The second kind of influence is more in the nature of a “hidden”
diglossia and is revealed mostly in the phraseology of diplomatic
language. Many of its set phrases were coined by classical diplomats
speaking French or devised with the French models in mind.
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Expressions, like “My Government will reconsider its position” or
“is obliged to tender grave reservations” are used to convey, with
the restraint of a studied politeness, statements or warnings,
which, if delivered in “plain” English, would raise tempers. The
“Frenchness” of the expressions of this kind is still recognizable,
although it had already been “distilled”, or absorbed, into English.
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Many of the formulaic phrases used in official correspondence are
barely disguised Gallicisms. Not only do they copy the semantic
structure of the French clichés, but quite often contain the same
Romance words as are used in the French originals, all of which
brings the two versions even closer together:
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I have the honour to refer to your letter of 5 January 1983 |
J’ai l’honneur de me référer à votre lettre du 5 janvier 1983 |
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I have pleasure in welcoming
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J’ai le plaisir de saluer |
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I am happy to greet |
Je suis heureux de saluer |
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I have pleasure in confirming |
J’ai le plaisir de vous confirmer
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I have the honour to inform you |
J’ai l’honneur de vous informer |
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It is understood that this letter and your reply will together
constitute the Agreement of cooperation between...and...
This Agreement will come into force on the sate of receipt
of your reply to this letter |
Il est entendu que la présente lettre et votre réponse
affirmative constitueront, ensemble, l’Accord de Coopération
etre...et..., lequel entrera en vigueur à la date de
reception de votre réponse |
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Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest
consideration |
Veuillez d’agréer, Votre Excellence, l’assurance de ma trés haute
considération |
It is the combination of these two kinds of influence that makes the
preponderance of the French element in the language of diplomacy so
overwhelming. In the following example nearly all of the words are
Romance borrowings (they are italicized):
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The Consul-General of France cordially invites
you to attend a reception in honour
of... |
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Copyrighted material |
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