Translations and real sense of some Anglo-EU politesse and diplomateseHere’s an amusing collection of translations and actually intended meanings of Anglo-EU politesse and diplomatese, as compiled by Mark Liberman in his Language Log website. By definition, politesse
is a formal word that means “courteous formality or politeness” while diplomatese
is, well, an informal word that means “the type of language or jargon used by diplomats, thought to be excessively complicated, cautious or vague, and described humorously as though it were a foreign language.”
Let’s see now how these phrases operate in the political and diplomatic arenas in the United Kingdom and the European Union and, of course, how they might be used by the more discerning legislators in our own Upper House and Lower House in the Philippines to explain away their alleged involvement in the massive pork-barrel scam that got exposed recently.What the British say What the British mean What others understand“I hear what you say” “I disagree and do not want “He accepts my point of view”
to discuss it further”
“With the greatest “I think you are an idiot” “He is listening to me”
respect…”
“That's not bad” “That's good” “That's poor”
“That is a very brave “You are insane” “He thinks I have courage”
proposal”
“Quite good” “A bit disappointing” “Quite good”
“I would suggest…” “Do it or be prepared “Think about the idea,
to justify yourself” but do what you like”
“Oh, incidentally/ “The primary purpose “That is not very important”
by the way” of our discussion is…
“I was a bit
disappointed that” “I am annoyed that” “It really doesn't matter”
“Very interesting” “That is clearly nonsense” “They are impressed”
“I'll bear it in mind” “I've forgotten it already” “They will probably do it”
“I'm sure it's my fault” “It's your fault” “Why do they think it was
their fault?”
“You must come for “It's not an invitation, “I will get an invitation soon”
dinner” I'm just being polite”
“I almost agree” “I don't agree at all” “He's not far from agreement”
“I only have a few “Please re-write “He has found a few typos”
minor comments” completely”
“Could we consider “I don't like your idea” “They have not yet decided”
some other options”
“Correct me if I'm “I'm right, don't “I may be wrong,
wrong” contradict me” please let me know”
“Up to a point” “Not in the slightest” “Partially”
French Phrase Literal Translation Idiomatic Translation“je serai clair” “I will be clear” “I will be rude”
“Il faut la visibilité “We need European “The EU must indulge in some pointless, annoying
Européenne” visibility” and, with luck, damaging international
grand-standing.”
“Il faut trouver une “We must find a “Warning: I am about to propose a highly
solution pragmatique” pragmatic solution” complex, theoretical, legalistic and
unworkable way forward.”
—From a compilation in Mark Liberman’s Language Log
