At the crossroads of the Japanese and Georgian culture (Problems of translating diplomatic correspondence)

Abstract

Modern Georgia is actively establishing diplomatic relations with multiple European and Asian countries. Diplomatic relations represent the most challenging form of intercultural communication, necessitating interdisciplinary studies. This article presents a trans­lation of correspondence between Japanese and Georgian official entities and specific politicians, requiring analysis of linguistic, cultural, sociolinguistic, and pragmatic aspects mentioned in the source text. The empirical data from diplomatic correspondence is sourced from the official website of the Embassy of Japan (https: //www.ge.emb-japan.go.jp).

The research revealed intriguing aspects in the official Japanese-Georgian correspondence: differences in the type and format of diplomatic letters; unique aspects of Japanese and Georgian etiquette; specific cultural nuances that may be opaque to representatives from other cultures, necessitating pragmatic adaptation for Georgian-speaking readers. Such adaptation can enhance mutual understanding and boost the effectiveness of cultural communication.