Chuyên đề tốt nghiệp: Lexical challenges of be''s seniors in translating specific diplomatic terms in diplomacy documents

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NATIONAL ECONOMICS UNIVERSITYFACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGESDEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ENGLISH

TRAN BA MANH DUNG

LEXICAL CHALLENGES OF BE'S SENIORS IN TRANSLATINGSPECIFIC DIPLOMATIC TERMS IN DIPLOMACY DOCUMENTS

Hanoi, April 2023

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NATIONAL ECONOMICS UNIVERSITYFACULTY OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ENGLISH

TRAN BA MANH DUNGBusiness English 61A

LEXICAL CHALLENGES OF BE'S SENIORS IN TRANSLATINGSPECIFIC DIPLOMATIC TERMS IN DIPLOMACY DOCUMENTS

Ms Le Thuy Linh

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Tran Ba Manh Dung - 11191220

First of all, this graduation essay represents not only the author's efforts, but alsothat of Ms Le Thuy Linh - M.A - Lecturer of the Faculty of Foreign Languages,National Economics University This study would not have been completed without

Ms Linh's direction and assistance As a result, I cannot adequately express my

gratitude to Ms Linh, who has supported me throughout the entire process ofwriting my graduation thesis Being a lecturer with extensive knowledge andexperience in the theory and practise of translation, Ms Linh has been a huge help tome in all aspects, from the earliest stages of outlining to the final stages ofcompletion Hopefully, Ms Linh will continue to be an enthusiastic andknowledgeable instructor in the future, just as she is now.

I would like to congratulate the National Economics University, particularly theFaculty of Foreign Languages, for creating a friendly and professional learning

atmosphere in which diverse interests and aspirations are interconnected This

allowed me to acquire valuable expertise that I could not obtain otherwise.

I am also thankful to my family and friends for their support throughout this

difficult period My family has always been spiritually uplifting, and my friendshave always helped me complete this essay by sharing resources and offering

Lastly, I would want to thank everyone who took the time to read this essay, and I

greatly value their comments It is hoped that readers who are interested in the topicof this essay will find this research paper helpful.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This study tries to identify a number of key difficulties that fourth-year students atthe National Economics University face on a regular basis while translating English

diplomatic terms into Vietnamese for use in diplomatic documents The objectives

of this study are to analyse the challenges students typically have when translatingcertain diplomatic terminology and to present a variety of practical techniquescollected from credible sources and personal experience to assist students with theirconcerns.

To address two research issues, the study employs the data gathering method andthe comparative approach This study employs a questionnaire on 100 seniorsmajoring in Business English at NEU to perform statistics and process the data for

research purposes using the data collection method, which is based on the research

and acquired data.

According to the findings of the study, BE students face a number of challengeswhen translating diplomatic terms in diplomacy documents, including locating theappropriate equivalent term in the target language, comprehending the context inwhich the term is used, and conveying the term's precise meaning in the targetlanguage After resolving the issues, students will receive both superb solutions andprominent counsel from renowned authors.

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diplomatic terms in diplomacy documefI(S - «+ +-«<++ss++ss++ 31BE students’ frequency in using different tactics to translate diplomacy

COCUMENLS 00 33BE Students’ evaluation about different challenging situations when

translating diplomatic terms in diplomacy documenfs 37

BE Students’ common sources when looking for information about the

cultural context of English diplomatic terms in diplomacy documents 39The most effective approaches to enhance the ability of translating

diplomatic terms in diplomacy documents according to BE’s seniors 41

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EAP English for Academic Purposes

EOP English for Occupational Purposes

EVP English for Vocational Purposes

ESAP English for Specific Academic PurposesST Source text

TT Target text

MOU Memorandum of UnderstandingUN United Nation

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Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - -Ú- Án ng HH TH Hung nu ilLIST OF CHARTS 2000 .- illLIST OF ABBREVIATIONS LH HH HH HH key ivCHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION - ng, 1

1.1 Rationale - - Án HH HH ng ng tệ 1

1.3 Research quesfÏOnS - - 22 212 v11 H111 1811 ve, 31.4 Scope of the sfudyy - ch rệt 3

1.5 Research mefhod - - - + 11x v1 SH TH ng ngư 3

1.6 Design of the s(udy - c 2 v12 1 SH 11118111 re 4

CHAPTER IT: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK - 5"0N DE) | ee 5

2.1.1 Definifion Ăn HH TH HH He, 52.1.2 Types of translafion - - c1 St srierirsrrerrrrre 62.2 Equivalence in translafion - s55 S + ssserseereeererxrs 122.2.1 Definifion - -Q HH HH HH tiệt 122.2.2 Types of equivyalence - -sxk+nxnnnnngrưkt 132.3 ESP im translafion - - Ác nghe, 152.3.1 Definition of ESP Q Tnhh Hệ 152.3.2 Types of ESP LH HH HH HH HH nhiệt 162.4 Diplomacy oo — 17

24.1 De ¡ao na he e 17

2.4.2 Language in dipÌlomacy - 55s s + ssseeseeeseeereexrs 182.4.3 Diplomacy documenfS 5 5 33+ sseseeerseerersee 19

2.4.4 The role of translating specific diplomatic terms in

diplomacy documenfs - < 22c 3x21 911111111 1 ke 212.4.5 Some important requirements of diplomatic terms 22CHAPTER II: FINDINGS & DISCUSSIONS 26

3.1 The self-evaluation of BE’s students on their translation skills 263.2 Frequency of making mistakes while translating diplomacy

COCUMENES - G0 TH TT HH HH HT tr 28

3.3 BE students’ time spent translating diplomacy documenfs 30

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3.4 Some challenging aspects of translating diplomatic terms in

diplomacy Cocuments ccccecccessceseceseceneceeeeceeeceseceaeesseeeeseesaeeneeeees 313.5 Strategies students use to translate diplomatic terms 33

3.5.1 Using established equivalent terms from a specialized

Gictiomary OF Q]OSSATY 5Á Q02 11.1 He 333.5.2 Finding creative ways to convey the meaning of the term in the

target lamguage 6434 5 34

3.5.3 Explaining the meaning of the term in a footnote or contextual41171110): 2200007787 = 353.5.4 Using a literal translation, even if it sounds awkward or

unnatural in the target language ccccccessccesseeetseeeseeeeseeeens 363.5.5 Conclusion on usage of those facfics 752cc sex 363.6 BE Students’ evaluation about different situations while

translating diplomatic maferiaÌS - - 5 S5 13+ seirsesersrserersee 37

3.7 Common sources to look for further information about the

Cultural CONCEXE 2.2 393.8 BE students’ approaches to improve their translating diplomatic

terms in diplomacy documents :ccccceseesseeeeeeeeeteeeseeeseeeeseenaes 41CHAPTER IV: RECOMMENDATIONS -Ặeeeeiiee 43

4.1 For fransÌÏiAfOFS - - - ch TH HH ng ng 43

4.2.1 Emphasize the Importance of Language Proficiency 45

4.2.2 Encourage the Use of Technical Resources - 45

4.2.3 Promote Collaboration - 55 S-SS*ssseseesrersrreree 46

5.1 Summary of the SfUdỈV - G1 ng ng gệc 475.2 Limitation of the Study SH iey 485.3 Suggestions for further sfudy 5 5 S5 *++scssssessseerssses 48REFERENCE 211 509)07.019))7.90.411Ẻ757 52APPENDIX - HH TH ng HH HH HH ng 55

VI

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CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Rationale

English has taken on an increasingly vital role in the modern world because it is the

language most commonly used for international communication It is the languagespoken in the worlds of commerce, science, and technology as well as the mediaand entertainment industries English has developed into the lingua franca of theglobe, or the common language that people from all walks of life use to interact

with one another.

Due to the growing number of publications imported by multinational corporations,English has become increasingly important in the field of translation in recent years.

This means that a translator must have a strong command of both their native

language and English in order to accurately translate documents from one languageto another This involves not only an in-depth comprehension of both languages, butalso an awareness of the cultural nuances that are at risk of being misunderstood ifthe translation is not handled appropriately.

Diplomacy documents are important tools used in international relations to facilitatecommunication between different nations and cultures These documents are usuallydrafted in the official language(s) of the involved countries, which can be a barrierto effective communication if not understood by all parties involved This is wheretranslation comes in In diplomacy, the use of specific and precise language iscrucial to ensuring that all parties have a clear and accurate understanding of theissues at hand, as well as the intended meaning of any agreements or declarationsmade This precision can be lost in translation if the meaning of diplomatic terms isnot properly conveyed.

Translating diplomatic terms is essential in facilitating effective communication indiplomacy Doing so ensures that all parties have a common understanding of theissues being discussed, and that there is no confusion or misinterpretation of the

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intended meaning It helps to prevent misunderstandings and disputes, and

contributes to maintaining positive and productive relationships between nations.

In addition, translating diplomatic terms is also important for preserving theintegrity of the involved countries’ languages and cultures By providing accurate

translations of diplomatic terms, interpreters and translators carry out a critical rolein promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

In Vietnam, there has a great deal of universities providing translation courses intheir education programs, and NEU is one of those However, Business English’sseniors may face a number of challenges when translating specific diplomatic termsin diplomacy documents, particularly in terms of understanding the context andnuances of the language used Additionally, due to the specialized nature of manydiplomatic terms, there can be significant difficulty in understanding their meaningand usage within the context of diplomacy documents This research aims toexplore some of these challenges and discuss how BE’s seniors can best navigatethem in order to ensure accurate translations, which has to be looked into.

Many studies have been conducted on the topic of translation, the vast majority ofwhich have focused on the challenges of the translation process in an effort to findsolutions and thereby improve the quality of translated texts.

1.2 Purposes

This study has two specific objectives as following:

e Firstly, analyze the linguistic challenges that were actually present in the

translation practice they were encountering

e Secondly, make some suggestions as to how these challenges might beconquered so that students can acquire a greater breadth and depth ofprofessional knowledge and skills, hence enhancing their opportunities foremployment, particularly in this field.

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1.3 Research questions

Two questions are anticipated to be specifically addressed by the research: (1) Whatare the challenges of translating diplomatic terms that BE’s seniors are confronting?(2) What can be done to master translation in diplomacy field?

1.4 Scope of the study

The study only focuses on the linguistic difficulties, which belong to lexicon andstructure in translating diplomatic terms in diplomacy documents of the 4th yearstudents majoring in Business English at NEU University The study is carried outto investigate main linguistic difficulties in translation in terms of diplomacy field,and to suggest some solutions to help students overcome the current situation Onlystudents who have taken Translation Theory I and H at NEU University will beeligible to participate in the study, and only these students will be able to use thefindings The study does not contain a comprehensive evaluation of the use ofdiplomatic terms in diverse contexts except in diplomacy documents.

to conduct statistics, and process the data to address research purposes.

The comparative approach is a research technique used to compare two or moregroups or variables In this study, the translation solutions completed by studentswill be compared In addition, it will require translation homework from thestudents in order to better analyse the data acquired through the questionnaire.

Data from students’ translation exercises were requested for further analysis.

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1.6 Design of the study

The study consists of 4 main parts: Introduction, Theoretical Framework, Findings& Dicussion and Recommendations.

Chapter 1 — Introduction — an overview of the background and context for the study,

including rationale, scopes, methods, aims, and design of the study.

Chapter 2 — Theoretical Framework — provides a theoretical foundation for thestudy about the theoretical background related to the topic and previous studies

Chapter 3 — Findings & Dicussion — presents and interprets the results of the study

Chapter 4 — Recommendations — provides suggestions for future research, policy, orpractice based on the findings and discussion of the study

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CHAPTER IT: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

2.1 Translation

2.1.1 Definition

Many individuals appear to be familiar with the notion of translation due to its

broad application to the majority of sectors in modern life Translation has clearlybeen defined by a number of researchers for many years Understanding whatTranslation entails is critical because it allows BE students to imagine what they

would be expected to undertake in this sector However, a precise definition of thisphrase may not yet be provided There are some definitions of Translation

concluded by both experts and prestigious sources.

According to Anthony Burgess, a British novelist and literary critic, in his book "AMouthful of Air" (1992), translation encompasses the interpretation of an entire

culture, not just individual words Burgess emphasizes the importance of effectivelyconveying a foreign culture to a new audience.

Gregory Rabassa, an American translator, contended that translation serves as a

bridge between cultures in his book "If This Be Treason: Translation and ItsDyscontents" (2005) Rabassa highlights the significance of using literary works intranslation to dissolve cultural barriers and create connections between languagecommunities.

Lawrence Venuti, an American translation theorist, defined translation as the means

of presenting a text in another language to readers in his book "The TranslationStudies Reader" (2000) Venuti emphasizes the important role of translation in

expanding multilingualism and allowing readers to gain access to literary works

they may not have been able to read otherwise.

In his essay "On Linguistic Aspects of Translation" (1959), Russian linguist RomanJakobson defined translation as a process of replacing linguistic signs from one

language with those of another, while preserving both meaning and structure.

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Jacques Amyot, a French poet and translator, suggested in the preface to histranslation of Plutarch's "Lives" (1559) that translation involves taking old texts and

giving them new life Amyot highlighted the transformative nature of translation,which can imbue ancient works with modern significance and meaning.

According to Susan Bassnett, an American translator and translation scholar,

translation involves moving textual material from one language into another, asstated in her book "Translation Studies" (1980) She notes that translation is amultifaceted and dynamic process that includes linguistic, cultural, and literarymediation rather than just simple copying.

In general, the purpose of translation is to ensure that the two texts are equivalent inmeaning (that is, that they convey the same message) while adhering to certain rulesand regulations The context, the grammar rules of both languages, the writingnorms, the idioms, and so on are all factors that limit what can be said.

2.1.2 Types of translation

A translator may employ many forms to express his or her perspective,

acknowledgement, or search for the most concise explanation of the essentialproblem The primary difficulty of translation is determining whether to translateliterally or freely It depends on a variety of elements, including the objective of the

translation, the character of the target audience, and the text type.

According to Peter Newmark’s “A textbook of translation” (1988), there are eighttranslation methods And based on the degree of attention on the source language

and target language, he creates the following simplified diagram:

2.1.2.1 Word-for-word translation

This is frequently illustrated as an interlinear translation, in which the target

language appears directly beneath the source language The word order of the

source language is retained, and each word is translated according to its most

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prevalent meanings, out of context Culture-specific terms are literally translated.The primary purpose of word-for-word translation is either to comprehend themeaning of the source language or to construct a complex document prior totranslation For example:

English: "The cat is on the mat."

Word-for-word Vietnamese: "Con mèo dang ở trên chiêu."

This word-for-word translation does not convey the meaning of the original

sentence very well as the word "chiéu" in Vietnamese is not commonly used to referto a mat In this case, a more appropriate word to use would be "tam thảm." So a

functional or communicative translation that captures the meaning more accurately

would be: "Con méo dang nam trén tam tham."

2.1.2.2 Literal translation

Literal translation is the process of translating a text from one language to another

without conveying the original's meaning Hence, direct translations of idioms are

typically inaccurate The grammatical constructions of the source language are

converted to their closest equivalents in the target language, but the lexical words

are again translated singly and out of context For example:English: "Break a leg."

Literal Vietnamese: "Đập vỡ chan."

This literal translation from English to Vietnamese does not convey the intended

meaning of "good luck" for a performer before a show Instead, it is a nonsensicalphrase in Vietnamese that makes no sense out of the given context In Vietnamese, a

more suitable expression to convey the same meaning would be "Chúc may man!"

or “Chúc thành cong!"

2.1.2.3 Faithful translation

When translators want to reproduce the precise contextual meaning of the sourcelanguage within the constraints of the target language's grammatical structures, theyutilise a faithful translation It converts cultural words but retains control over the

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level of grammatical and lexical "abnormality" in the translation It endeavours to

be totally accurate to the intentions and textual execution of the author of theoriginal language For example:

English: "To be or not to be, that is the question."

Faithful Vietnamese: "Sống hay không sống, đó là van dé."

This translation is faithful as it conveys the exact meaning of the original textwithout changing any of the words or structure It also captures the poetic andrhetorical nature of the sentence Although the Vietnamese sentence may not havethe same poetic quality as the English one, the essence of the meaning remains thesame A functional or communicative translation of this sentence could be: "Có

sông hay không, đó là câu hỏi."

2.1.2.4 Semantic translation

Semantic translation differs from literal translation only inasmuch as it must take

into account the aesthetic value of the source language text, conceding "meaning"

where necessary to ensure that assonance, wordplay, and repetition do not jar in the

final form It makes relatively few concessions to the readership and does not rely

on cultural equivalence In contrast to "faithful" translation, which is dogmatic,

semantic translation is more flexible New Mark (1982:22) states, “ semanticconstraints of the target language, to reproduce the price contextual meaning of theauthor.” For example:

English: "She's feeling blue."

Semantic Vietnamese: "Cô ay đang buôn."

This translation is semantic as it conveys the intended meaning of the Englishsentence, rather than using a literal or word-for-word translation The word "blue"

in English is often used to describe feeling sad or down, but this is not a directtranslation of the color "blue" in Vietnamese, which is "xanh duong" TheVietnamese translation uses a similar idiomatic expression to convey the same

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meaning A functional or communicative translation of this sentence could be: "Cô

ay dang cảm thay buôn bã."

2.1.2.5 Adaptation translation

This is the freest form of translation mainly used for plays and poetry: themes/

characters/ plots preserved, source language culture converted to taget languageculture & text is rewritten According to Dung Vu (2004), “adaptation has aproperty of lending the ideas of the original to create a new text used to by a newlanguage more than to be faithful to the original The creation in adaptation

completely objects in content as well as form.” For example:English: "I am over the moon."

Adaptation Vietnamese: "Tôi rat hạnh phúc."

This adaptation translation modifies the original English expression to fit thecultural context of the target language, Vietnamese The phrase "over the moon" is

an idiom in English that means to be extremely happy or thrilled In Vietnamese

culture, the equivalent expression would be "to be very happy" or "rất hạnh phúc".

This adaptation translation conveys the same meaning in a way that is more familiarto the Vietnamese audience A functional or communicative translation of this

sentence could be: "Tôi dang rat vui."

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2.1.2.6 Free translation

Free translation is a translation that is not close to the original, but rather conveysthe source language's meanings in the translator's own terms It reproduces thesubject without the manner, or the material without the original's shape Typically, itis a considerably longer paraphrase than the original The benefit of this sort of

translation is that the target language material sounds more natural In contrast, the

downside of translation is that its independence makes it difficult to comprehend theoriginal text For example:

English: "All's fair in love and war."

Free Vietnamese: "Moi thứ đều được phép trong tình yêu và trong chiến tranh."

This free translation conveys the essence of the English sentence, but does not

translate it word-for-word or follow the structure of the original sentence TheEnglish expression is an idiom that means that there are no rules in love and war,

while the Vietnamese translation is a more straightforward statement that everything

is permissible in love and war This free translation captures the intended meaning

of the English sentence in a way that makes it easy to understand in Vietnamese A

functional or communicative translation of this sentence could be: "Tran chién va

tình yêu không có luật lệ."

2.1.2.7 Idiomatic translation

Idiomatic translation is a translation method that focuses on translating phrases orexpressions based on their meaning within the context of a particular language andculture, rather than translating their individual words literally This method aims tocapture the essence of the original expression while maintaining the natural usageand nuances of the target language According to Newmark (1988), idiomatic

translation "attempts to convey the same meaning as the source language, but

employs the idioms and style natural to the receptor language" (p 94) For example:

English: "The ball is in your court."

Idiomatic Vietnamese: "Quyét dinh nam 6 ban."

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This idiomatic Vietnamese translation conveys the same meaning as the Englishexpression, which means that it is someone else's turn or responsibility to take

action In Vietnamese, the equivalent expression is "quyét dinh nam 6 ban," which

translates to "the decision lies with you." This expression is idiomatic in Vietnamesebecause it is a natural and commonly used expression that captures the essence of

the English expression.

In idiomatic translation, the translator must consider the context, connotations, andnatural usage of the target language and culture to convey the same meaning as thesource language The use of idiomatic expression in translation can help to make thetranslation more natural and understandable for the target audience.

2.1.2.8 Communicative translation

Communicative translation is a translation method that focuses on conveying theintended communicative function of a text in the target language, rather thanproducing a literal or word-for-word translation This method seeks to reproduce thecommunicative effect of the source text in the target language by adapting the text

to the linguistic and cultural conventions of the target audience In other words,

communicative translation takes into account the pragmatic context of the sourcetext and aims to achieve the same communicative purpose when the text istranslated For example:

English: "I'm sorry, I can't make it to the meeting today."

Literal Vietnamese translation: "Tôi xin lỗi, tôi không thể đến cuộc hop hôm

Communicative Vietnamese translation: "Xin lỗi mọi người, tôi không thể tham

dự cuộc họp hôm nay."

In this example, the literal Vietnamese translation is grammatically correct and

conveys the same basic meaning as the English sentence, but it may not effectivelycapture the intended communicative function of the original sentence The

communicative Vietnamese translation, on the other hand, more accurately conveys

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the same meaning as the original sentence using a more natural and appropriatephrasing for expressing one's inability to attend a meeting.

By using the communicative approach to translation, the translator is able to conveythe same intended communicative function of the original sentence in the target

language, while also taking into account the cultural and linguistic conventions of

the Vietnamese audience This approach helps to ensure that the translated text ismore effective in achieving the intended communicative purpose in the target

2.1.2.9 Other types of translation

In addition to the aforementioned popular methods of translation, the following aresometimes employed throughout the translation process Included are servicetranslation, translation of prose, information translation, cognitive translation, and

academic translation.

2.2 Equivalence in translation2.2.1 Definition

Translation is the process of converting any written or spoken content from onelanguage to another, while keeping the meaning and intent of the original text intact.Therefore, the importance of equivalence in translation cannot be overstated since it

is the key to achieving accurate and effective translations.

In her book: “Translating as a purposeful activity: Functionalist approachesexplained”, Christiane Nord, a translator, had defined equivalence as the extent towhich the TT (target text) and source text communicate the same message,accounting for the linguistic and cultural variations between them as well as thespecific intended audience for each text This means that when translating, ensuringequivalence guarantees that the intended meaning and purpose of the ST (sourcetext) are preserved in the target text by using appropriate linguistic and cultural

norms of the target language

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The importance of equivalence in translation lies in its ability to ensure that thetarget text conveys the same meaning and intent as the source text This isespecially essential in situations where the source text contains technical orspecialized information that needs to be translated accurately for legal, medical, or

scientific purposes Inaccurate translations can have serious consequences, such as

miscommunication, loss of credibility, and legal liability.

Equivalence in translation is a critical component of the translation process It helpsto ensure that the target text accurately and effectively conveys the meaning andintent of the source text, while taking into account linguistic and cultural differencesbetween the source and target texts and their intended audiences The use of

appropriate techniques and strategies for achieving equivalence is essential forproducing high-quality and effective translations.

There are many different types of equivalence that translators need to consider in

the translation process These are some outstanding types of equivalence that can be

the source language may have multiple meanings, so the translator must choose

which meaning best fits the context of the sentence or passage being translated.

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2.2.2.2 Pragmatic equivalence

This type of equivalence relates to the social and cultural context in which theoriginal text was written Translators must be aware of the intended audience of thetarget text and make sure that the translation accurately conveys the same message.They must also consider any background or cultural knowledge that the target

audience may need in order to fully understand the content of the original text.

2.2.2.3 Cultural equivalence

This type of equivalence involves using cultural references and norms that arefamiliar to both the source and target audiences The translator must have a goodunderstanding of both cultures, in order to choose the best way to translate

culturally specific information For example, if the original text uses a cultural

reference that does not exist in the target culture, the translator may need to find adifferent reference that can effectively convey the same meaning.

2.2.2.4 Textual equivalence

This type of equivalence deals with the overall structure and organization of the

original text Translators must make sure that the structure and organization of the

target text closely matches that of the original text They must also consider theintended purpose of the text, and make sure that the target text serves the samepurpose as the original text This type of equivalence is particularly important for

literary translations where the tone and style of the original text must be preserved.

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2.3 ESP in translation

English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a specialized approach to language learningthat focuses on teaching English to individuals who have specific, professional oroccupational goals in mind ESP is designed to help students achieve their languageobjectives, by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need tocommunicate effectively in English in their particular fields of work.

Hutchinson and Waters (1987) explain in their book: “English for Specific

Purposes: A Learning-Centered Approach” that ESP has a distinct emphasis on the

language and experiences that are relevant to a specific professional, occupational,or educational domain They describe ESP courses as being customized to satisfythe distinct needs of each group of learners, including their professional,occupational, or educational language objectives, which can vary from one group toanother Accordingly, the goal of ESP is to provide students with the specificlanguage skills required for their particular domains

ESP is a specialized approach in translation that focuses on translating languagespecific to a particular field or profession This form of translation requiresspecialized knowledge of the language used in a particular field, as well as theability to convey meaning accurately and effectively ESP in translation ofteninvolves the use of subject-specific terminology, jargon, and cultural references that

require specialized translation techniques.

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2.3.2 Types of ESP

ESP courses are classified into various types, such as:

2.3.2.1 English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

It focuses on the academic needs of students who wish to study in English speaking

universities EAP is designed to help students acquire the language skills they need

to succeed in academic settings, including writing research papers, participating inacademic discussions, and presenting academic reports.

2.3.2.2 English for Occupational Purposes (EOP)

This type of ESP focuses on the language skills required for particular occupations,such as business, healthcare, tourism, police, military, and so on EOP courses aretailored to help learners acquire the language skills they need to succeed in theirjobs and communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

2.3.2.3 English for Vocational Purposes (EVP)

EVP focuses on the language skills needed for specific vocational or technical

fields, such as engineering, technology, agriculture, and so on EVP courses are

designed to help learners acquire the specialized vocabulary and communicationskills they need to succeed in their fields.

2.3.2.4 English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP)

This type of ESP focuses on the language skills needed for specific academicdisciplines, such as law, medicine, engineering, and so on ESAP courses aretailored to help learners acquire the specialized vocabulary and communicationskills they need to succeed in their academic courses.

Translating diplomatic terms in diplomacy documents requires specialized

knowledge of international law, diplomacy, and protocol, which is more closelyrelated to academic settings than occupational or vocational settings Therefore,

diplomacy translation belongs to the ESAP type of ESP.

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2.4 Diplomacy2.4.1 Definition

These are some definition collected from various sources, which is prestigious andtrust-worthy.

According to the Historical Office of the U.S Department of State (2021),

diplomacy is a method used to influence the decisions and behavior of foreigngovernments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short ofwar or violence.

Berridge (2015) explained that states and other actors in international relations usediplomacy to manage their foreign relations, negotiate with other states, pursue theirown economic or strategic interests, achieve their objectives in internationalorganizations, and build coalitions to address specific issues.

Cooper, Heine, and Thakur (2013) described diplomacy as an instrument ofgovernance that serves national interests through the peaceful management of

international relations.

Kegley and Wittkopf (2005) pointed out that diplomacy involves managinginternational relations by negotiation rather than by the use of force, and impliesgive-and-take and compromise instead of imposing one’s will on others.

According to Freeman (2012), diplomacy involves negotiations between officials ofdifferent states with the purpose of reaching a comprehensive political agreementthat resolves a problem between two or more states.

In general, based on the definitions presented, diplomacy can be understood as the

strategic engagement between states or other actors in international relations, aimedat managing foreign relations and achieving national interests through peacefulnegotiations and compromise Diplomatic efforts are typically conducted by

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officials who seek to reach overarching political agreements that resolve issues andpromote stability in the international system While different in subtle ways, thesedefinitions share a common emphasis on the central role of diplomacy in addressingglobal challenges and advancing the interests of states and other actors.

2.4.2 Language in diplomacy

Language is a powerful tool in diplomacy, helping to facilitate communicationbetween states and other actors in the international system At its core, diplomacy isthe art of negotiation, and the ability to communicate effectively across cultures,languages, and political systems is critical to achieving successful outcomes.

One aspect of language in diplomacy is the need for precision and clarity.Diplomatic documents and agreements must be drafted with care, using languagethat is unambiguous and easily understood by all parties involved This is essentialto avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring that commitments are honored For

example, international treaties and agreements such as the Paris Agreement on

climate change are written in technical language that is designed to be as specific

and precise as possible This helps to ensure that all parties understand their

obligations and can be held accountable for meeting them.

At the same time, language can also be used to build trust and establish rapportbetween parties to a diplomatic negotiation The use of polite language, avoidanceof confrontational or insulting words, and the recognition of shared interests andvalues can all help to create a more positive negotiation environment.

English has often been referred to as the ‘lingua franca' of diplomacy, meaning that

it is the common language used by people who do not share a native language.English serves as the official language of many international organizations and

global forums, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and theInternational Olympic Committee It is widely used in diplomatic meetings,

conferences, and negotiations, particularly where multiple languages are involved.

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It can be stated that English was the official language in Diplomacy in the world; allof document translating activities in diplomacy will use English, and the same forinterpreting Diplomacy Branch of each nation must obey the rule for its diplomaticactivities.

2.4.3 Diplomacy documents

2.4.3.1 Definition of diplomacy documents

Diplomacy documents are formal written agreements or declarations made betweennations, international organizations, or other political entities These documents helpto establish the terms of engagement between different actors in the internationalsystem and to regulate their interactions Understanding different types ofdiplomacy documents and their functions is essential for understanding theworkings of the international system.

Here are some definitions and concepts related to diplomacy documents Also, their

equivalences in Vietnamese will also be mentioned.

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2.4.3.2 Types of diplomacy documents and their Vietnameseequivalences

Treaty (Hiệp định): A treaty is a formal agreement between two or moresovereign states, often designed to establish a framework for cooperation,resolve disputes, or regulate some aspects of international relations TheUnited Nations Charter is an example of a treaty that sets out the basicprinciples of international law and outlines the structure and functions of theUN itself.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (Thỏa thuận ghi nhớ): An MOU is aformal agreement between two or more parties, usually used to establish acommon understanding of a particular issue or to outline a cooperativerelationship MOUs are often used in diplomatic settings to establish theparameters of cooperative ventures, such as joint research projects, culturalexchanges or scientific collaborations.

Protocol (Nghi thirc): A protocol is a formal document that establishes rules

for diplomatic and ceremonial procedures It outlines the procedures

surrounding meetings between political figures, such as state visits, andestablishes the order of precedence at official events A protocol is a vitalcomponent of statecraft, as it helps to maintain standards of decorum andrespect in diplomatic settings.

Joint communiqué (Tuyên bố chung): A joint communiqué is a document

signed by several parties, usually to announce the results of a diplomaticmeeting or negotiation It is used to signal agreement on key issues and todemonstrate progress toward resolving disputes or achieving common goals.The 1994 Oslo Accords, which established a framework for peace betweenIsrael and Palestine, is an example of a joint communiqué.

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e Resolutions (Nghị quyết): Resolutions are formal statements adopted by an

international organization or governing body, often designed to express aparticular view or to establish a mandate for action Resolutions are used toexpress the will of an organization or group on a particular issue, and may be

used to establish standards or to authorize particular actions UN Security

Council resolutions, for example, are used to authorize military or otheractions in response to a particular threat or challenge.

2.4.4 The role of translating specific diplomatic terms in diplomacydocuments

Translating important diplomatic terms in diplomacy documents is critical for

ensuring accurate communication and understanding between different actors in theinternational system When drafting and negotiating diplomacy documents, it isimportant to take into account the linguistic and cultural differences that can impact

the interpretation of the language used.

In many cases, important terms in diplomacy documents have different meanings indifferent languages or cultures For example, the term "sovereignty" may havedifferent connotations in English-speaking cultures compared to Chinese-speakingcultures Failing to take these differences into account can lead tomisunderstandings or misconceptions, which can ultimately lead to diplomatic orpolitical problems.

By translating important terms in diplomacy documents, translators can help tomitigate these differences and ensure that all parties involved have a sharedunderstanding of key concepts and terminology This can help to preventmisunderstandings or misinterpretations, as well as facilitate more effectivecommunication and negotiation between different actors.

Moreover, the importance of accurate translation of diplomacy documents hasbecome more crucial in recent years due to the globalization of the international

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system As interactions and negotiations increasingly involve actors from differentlinguistic and cultural backgrounds, translating diplomacy documents has become

an essential component of the diplomatic process.

2.4.5 Some important requirements of diplomatic terms2.4.5.1 Popularity

Popularity is the first condition that all nations must meet In the written diplomatictext, writers and translators must pay special attention to this need; they should usethe terms often employed when composing diplomatic documents and avoid phrasesor words that are so unusual and infrequently used Due to a misunderstanding ofthe actual meaning of phrases, words, or terminology, diplomatic documents that

are irregular are sometimes rejected by all countries and international organisations.For example, we use "Embassy" instead of "Chancery" for "Đại sứ quan", eventhough "Chancery" also means "Đại sứ quán." In fact, the chief of mission and his

staff operate in "Chancery." This office is incorrectly referred to be the Embassy.

Theoretically, the ambassador's place of residence is the embassy, not his place of

employment In the past, the Vietnamese word "Bộ Nội vu" was frequently

translated into English as "Ministry of Interior." But, in recent years, the phrase has

been translated into English as "Ministry of Home Affairs" due to the internationalcriteria for naming State Departments.

2.4.5.2 Accuracy

As we learned, errors in diplomacy are extremely perilous (especially in diplomaticdocuments), as they have severe implications The errors frequently involve the useof dual words, phrases, or misspellings and improper word structure In order tofind the appropriate words and structures for a translation, we must carefullyevaluate what will be translated in order to comprehend its specific meaning andlocate the appropriate terminology In addition, we should use the correct

terminology or the language most commonly employed.

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For instance, while translating the phrase "Memorandum," which is a loan word,

care must be taken to comprehend the document's context and true content If theanswer is negative, "Memorandum" might be translated as "Notice." "Giac thư” is adiplomatic paper that a nation sends to another to express disagreement in anysector "Memorandum" is "Ban ghi nhớ", which is a document that helps us recall

things agreed upon in diplomatic debate.

2.4.5.3 Formality

In the diplomatic field, in addition to verbal communication, the context of adiplomatic document has a significant impact on the way translators choose theirwords If we choose and utilise terms that convey respect or closeness to therecipient, it is believed that the document's efficacy will be at its best, because thereceivers will recognise their position and significant function, making it easier and

favourable to get their agreement or sympathy.

Hence, in the process of selecting words, they should employ intimate terms, which,

when combined with each translator's approach to composition, will result in the

most effective document For example, translators in the diplomatic spherefrequently begin a paper with "Excellency" — "Thưa ngai" — and conclude with

"Sincere thanks" — "Xin Chân thành cảm ơn."

2.4.5.4 Balance (between senders and reveivers)

As emphasized by Berridge and James, "diplomacy is a reciprocal relationship thatrelies on mutual respect, good manners, and the exchange of information andideas." (Berridge and James, 2015) Diplomats are required to communicate honestly

and transparently to enable both parties to make informed decisions The messagedelivered must be fair and unbiased, avoiding any tone or language that may be

perceived as threatening or coercive Diplomacy is thus more than just an exchange

of words, but rather a strategic process that aims to achieve common goals.

In order to demonstrate respect for the other party, diplomats should choose their

words and sentences carefully, taking into account the cultural and language

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nuances of the target audience Linguistic choices can have a significant impact ondiplomatic relations, and the use of inappropriate or disrespectful language canundermine trust and damage relationships.

For instance, when translating from English to Vietnamese for diplomatic purposes,

it is essential to choose respectful and appropriate language to express respect for

the other party For example, the use of appropriate pronouns and respectful formsof address are crucial in Vietnamese culture The Vietnamese language has acomplex system of personal pronouns that depend on the age, gender, and socialstatus of the speaker and the listener.

One example of a sentence that requires careful translation to maintain balance andrespect is: "We appreciate your commitment to this agreement and look forward to

continued cooperation between our two nations." In Vietnamese, a respectful

translation of this sentence would be: "Chúng tôi trân trọng cam kết của quý vi đốivới thoả thuận này và hy vọng cùng tiếp tục hợp tác giữa hai quốc gia chúng ta."

The translation uses the appropriate pronouns and forms of address to show respectto the Vietnamese audience It maintains the formal tone and language expected indiplomatic communication between countries, while showing respect and balance.The use of the term "quy vi" is a formal way to refer to the other party, and the

overall sentence structure conveys a respectful tone Furthermore, the use of theterm "chúng ta", meaning "us" or "we," emphasizes the idea of cooperation andworking together towards common goals.

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2.4.5.5 Appropriateness

The language and tone used in these documents should be appropriate, clear, andconcise It is essential to use respectful, impartial language, avoiding language thatmay seem derogatory, inflammatory, or disrespectful, as the use of such languagecould compound diplomatic tensions and misunderstandings The content should be

precise and unambiguous to avoid confusion and should clearly state objectives,principles, and obligations of parties involved Clear, unambiguous language is

essential in ensuring that all parties understand their rights, responsibilities, andobligations, which is especially important since diplomatic documents can belegally binding It is critical to also provide a well-organized and easilycomprehensible structure and follow standard diplomatic communication protocols,which includes setting out clearly identified sections such as background,objectives, governance, responsibilities, definitions, and references Furthermore,appropriateness is expected in the formality and style of diplomatic documents;proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation should be used along with omission of

any personal opinions or biases, thus adopting an objective and neutral tone.

Appropriateness is a vital requirement in diplomatic documents that may have legal

implications and impact international relations Diplomats must pay attention to the

choice of their words, tone, structure, and syntax to ensure that they presentthemselves formally and respectfully, consistent with the international standards ofdiplomatic communication.

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