A Contrastive Case Study on Contemporary Diplomatic Language regarding the War in Ukraine

Abstract

This article examines the use of euphemisms in contemporary diplomatic language, specifically analysing their application in the context of the War in Ukraine. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the reflection of language functions in communications related to the War in Ukraine, focusing on the role of euphemisms in diplomatic contexts, with an emphasis on the contrastive aspects in Romanian, English, and French. Through a comprehensive examination of diplomatic language, the study uncovers the strategies of using euphemisms to mitigate or manipulate the semantic impact of sensitive issues. The analysis reveals that the referential function is the most frequently utilised, while the phatic one is largely disregarded. Euphemism also serves as a persuasive communication strategy, enabling the address of sensitive geopolitical issues with tact and with a specific goal in mind.