Despite being the lingua franca of diplomacy and international affairs, English is full of pitfalls and can be difficult to master for a non-native. Intonation and stress present particular downsides. Idiomatic expressions can be confusing or misleading. Irregular verbs, compound nouns and the vast range of tenses are among the features of English that cause headaches to foreign learners.

Even the so-called simple grammar, based on prepositions and word order, is highly prone to bad writing, which spouts from disordered thinking. Quite often, the efficient but rather fragile English syntax collapses and the meaning becomes ambiguous or incomprehensible even to native speakers.

While English is highly popular, many mediators involved in international affairs prefer their mother tongue as a means of effective communication. A negotiation or mediation process is always an attempt to create shared understanding where there has been disagreement. But when negotiations take place across different languages and cultures, the scope for misunderstanding is likely to increase.

Translation and interpreting professionals should possess the expertise to surpass the language barrier, but also understand the importance of non-linguistic elements in shaping up a healthy communication process, namely:

•    The role cultural differences or misunderstandings play in the creation and perpetuation of conflicts
•    National styles and trends in negotiation
•    Specific features in the diplomatic communication of particular countries
•    The problems with categorising cultures, in terms of creating stereotypes and false assumptions
•    The connection between culture and communication considering the sub-groups included in any culture and the influence of social context on communication
•    The difficulties or barriers to inter-religious communication

In the last century, various ethnic groups have become more aware of their linguistic and cultural identity. In some countries, the demand to the right to education, media and services delivered in local languages has led to armed clashes between ethnic minorities and central governments.  While contact between nations has increased, more countries are taking an active – and interactive – role in international affairs and diplomacy.
International organisations are recognising the diverse languages and dialects of member states as official for their proceedings.  In diplomacy and international affairs, now more than ever before, interpreting and translation are of vital importance.