Language and diplomacy workshop for Serbian MFA

The focus of this workshop is on ‘between-the-lines’ communication. In an age that promotes clear writing and transparent communication, the subtler nuances of so-called ‘diplomatic language’ are often dismissed as irrelevant or undesirable. However, since the unsaid can be a source both of strength and of misunderstanding, this workshop demonstrates how implicit communication can not only build relationships, but break them too.

The workshop is exercise driven and requires active participation. The final exercise will be based on a Hard Talk simulation aimed to develop the linguistic skills essential for effective persuasion and constructive dialogue.

Although the workshop is run in English, the lessons learned are applicable to all languages and participants are not expected to have an academic background in linguistics to actively engage in the discussions.

Workshop facilitator

Dr Biljana Scott was trained as a linguist (BA in Chinese, M.Phil and D.Phil in Linguistics, University of Oxford). She is a Senior Lecturer in the Language and Diplomacy online course of DiploFoundation, and an Associate of the China Centre, University of Oxford, where she has taught for the last 25 years.