L’amitié et la diplomatie
Friendship and diplomacy

The construction of interstate and interpersonal relations in heads of state joint statements

Author(s): Monika Kostro
Subject(s): Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Philology
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: diplomatic discourse; interpersonal discourse markers; intensification; politeness
Summary/Abstract: This paper examines discursive means used to construct a close bilateral relationship in a specific genre of diplomatic discourse i.e. heads of state joint statements issued at press conferences at the end of official visits abroad. Whereas studies on diplomatic discourse generally concern negative politeness means, such as ambiguity or indirectness, this paper focuses on positive politeness strategies. The study emphasizes the role of intensifiers and personalization of institutional relations in the construction of the credibility of diplomatic friendship discourse. Data are drawn from French president E. Macron’s statements delivered at the beginning of his presidency, between May and December 2017.

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